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. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.