West Nile Virus-positive bird found in Grey-Bruce
A deceased bird that was discovered last month has tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the health officials in Grey-Bruce.
According to a press release issued Tuesday by the Grey Bruce Health Unit, a deceased Cooper’s hawk discovered in Lion’s Head late last month has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The health unit says this is the first bird to test positive for West Nile Virus in Grey Bruce in 2022. As of Aug. 6, there have been zero reported cases of the disease in humans in Ontario this year.
West Nile Virus spreads between birds and certain species of mosquito. It can be transmitted to humans via mosquito bite if the mosquito first bit an infected bird.
The greatest risk of contracting West Nile Virus is late summer, towards the end of the mosquito season.
In order to reduce your risk of contracting West Nile Virus, the Grey Bruce Health Unit recommends the following tips:
- Use insect repellant that contains DEET or Icaridin
- Wear light-coloured long pants and long sleeves, socks and a hat when outdoors
- Reduce mosquito habitats near the home by eliminating standing water in flowerpots, eaves troughs, and other areas
- Ensure door and window screens fit securely and are free of holes
The health unit says that most people infected with West Nile Virus do not experience any symptoms, while others see symptoms manifest in two to 15 days after being bitten.
Symptoms are usually mild, but can include fever and headache. More serious symptoms include a stiff neck, high fever, confusion, tremors and sudden sensitivity to light.
No mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Grey-Bruce this year, but the health unit does add that as of Aug 6. Public Health Ontario has reported 14 mosquito pools through the province positive for the virus.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. seeks ban on public drug use, dialing back decriminalization
The B.C. NDP has asked the federal government to recriminalize public drug use, marking a major shift in the province's approach to addressing the deadly overdose crisis.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.