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CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Bird in Wawa tests positive for West Nile virus
Humans can get the West Nile virus when a mosquito that has bitten an infected bird, then bites a human. (File) A wild bird in Wawa recently tested positive for West Nile virus, Algoma Public Health said in a news release Wednesday. 'This result indicates the presence of (the virus) in Algoma and the potential risk to its residents during peak mosquito season,' the health unit said. West Nile has been found in birds, mosquitoes, horses and humans in Ontario since the summer of 2001. It's spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. In turn, a mosquito gets infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. 'The virus is not known to spread from person-to-person, nor directly from bird-to-person,' Public Health said. Risk is low 'The risk of becoming infected with (West Nile) in Algoma is low.' Residents can protect themselves from bites by wearing light-coloured clothing when outdoors, since mosquitoes are attracted to darker colours. Wearing tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes also helps prevent bites from mosquitoes, which are most active from dusk to dawn. 'Most people who contract West Nile virus will not feel any symptoms,' the release said. 'About one in five people infected may experience mild illness including fever, headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting and rash on the chest, stomach or back.' Severe symptoms – which include muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, numbness and sudden sensitivity to light -- are rare and are more likely to develop in older individuals and those who are immunocompromised. A reminder to the public that Algoma Public Health does not accept dead birds. If you find a dead bird on your property, you can contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative to learn more about their surveillance and submission programs. Learn more about West Nile virus by clicking here.
CTV News
14-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
West Nile Virus found by Southwestern Public Health
A mosquito trap in Woodstock has tested positive for West Nile Virus. According to Southwestern Public Health, this is the first mosquito trap to produce a positive test in the Southwestern Public Health region in 2025, and the virus was detected as part of routine testing. The health unit said traps are set up across Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas to monitor and test for the presence of West Nile Virus in the region. Public health recommends removing standing water around your property to reduce mosquito breeding environments.
CTV News
17-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Health officials encourage parents to get kids caught up with vaccinations this summer
Local health officials are encouraging parents to get their kids up-to-date with their vaccinations this summer. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) sent letters to parents of students in Grades 2 and 3, born in 2016 and 2017, this month notifying them about required immunizations. 'If you received one of these letters, summer is a great time to catch up,' the health unit stated. 'With summer camps and group activities just around the corner, keeping children protected against preventable diseases is more important than ever,' said Dr. Colin Lee, SMDHU associate medical officer of health. 'Camps provide great experiences, but they also mean kids are in close contact with other kids, which can increase the risk of spreading illness. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent serious diseases like whooping cough, meningococcal meningitis and measles.' Families requiring immunizations can books an appointment with their health care provider, or those without a family physician can book an immunization appointment at SMDHU offices located in their community. Immunization records can be checked and updated online. 'It's important to ensure your child's immunization record is up to date. If your child has received vaccinations outside of the health unit, you must submit this missing information,' the health unit noted.
