What is West Nile Virus (WNV)?
According to Health Canada, in 2006, 151 Canadians
became ill after being infected with WNV.
WNV is a growing threat across
southern Canada. This virus is transferred from infected birds to people by the
bite of a mosquito. The mosquito bites an infected bird and later bites a human,
passing on the virus. Crows and a host of other birds can be infected. As per
Health Canada, there are 74 known species of mosquitoes in Canada and WNV has
been found in 10 of these.
Although the chances of contracting WNV in
Canada are relatively low, there is obviously some risk. Most people, even if
infected, show no symptoms of this disease. They may have been infected and only
have had a brief fever or headache.
Symptoms of WNV infection may include fever, tiredness, lack of appetite,
nausea, vomiting, eye pain, headache, aching or weak muscles, rash, and
enlargement of the lymph nodes.
If you have these symptoms, seek medical
attention immediately. Your doctor can determine if you have the disease (or
something with similar symptoms). As per Health Canada, there is no specific
treatment, medication, or cure for WNV.
To view the Ontario government’s
WNV section, click here*.
The Institut national de santé publique also has
an online resource available here*. (in French
only)
How to lower the risk of WNV infection Mosquitoes breed in stagnant
water. You should make sure there are no places on your property that would
attract egg-laying mosquitoes.
Walk around your yard and remove any unnecessary containers that could
collect rainwater. Even a cup of water can attract hundreds of
mosquitoes.
Drill drainage holes in the bottoms of garbage cans. Ensure that the lids
fit snugly.
Empty or change the water in bird baths, patio plant trays, pet dishes,
buckets, wheelbarrows, toys, and wading pools at least once a week.
Store boats and canoes upside down or drain any water present once per
week.
Clean leaf-clogged roof gutters that breed mosquitoes. Do this every
spring.
Repair holes in door and window screens. Ensure there are no gaps under
doors.
Tightly cover rain barrels with window screening.
Fill in or drain any low places (e.g., ruts) that collect water in the
yard.
Report any dead birds that you find to your local health
department.
How to get the best protection
Avoid outdoor activity during warm, humid evenings (especially for two
hours before and after sunset) and on calm, cloudy days, when mosquitoes are
most active.
Don’t make yourself an easy victim for hungry mosquitoes. Wear
light-colored, loose-fitting pants and a long-sleeved shirt or blouse when
outdoors.
If outdoors, cover an infant carrier, carriage or playpen with mosquito
netting.
If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, treat exposed skin
with a mosquito repellent approved by Health Canada. Read and follow all label
directions and precautions carefully.
Fast facts about mosquitoes
Average mosquitoes weigh in at 2.5 milligrams – a
real lightweight!
A female Mosquito can bite as often as she wants.
Whenever she needs protein for her eggs, she will search for a source of
blood.
Mosquitoes don’t like just human blood; they will
take blood from birds, frogs, snakes and other mammals.
Mosquitoes tend to be real homebodies, never
traveling more than a mile or two from home. However, some have been known to
wander more than 100 miles from their place of birth.
The mosquito wings beat between 250 and 500 times per
second.
Mosquitoes are skilled flyers. They can move up,
down, sideways and even backwards.
During the day, mosquitoes hide in dark cool places
like tree holes and leafy bushes.
It is a myth that eating garlic or spicy foods will
repel insects. Always play it safe, use insect repellent!
There are approximately 20,000 mosquitoes to the
pound.
Mosquitoes get their nutrients from flower nectar,
not blood.
Mosquitoes have very short lives, buzzing about for
about two weeks – if you don’t swat them first.
Blood provides protein mosquito eggs need for
development.
Only the female mosquitoes “bite” because they need
protein for the eggs.
Mosquitoes don’t really bite! Their long “nose” is
like a combination saw and pump. The edges of the nose cut the skin and the
pump draws out the blood.
Female mosquitoes’ wings beat more slowly than a male’s and have a
distinct whine.
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The information provided herein is of a general nature and is in no way
intended to replace the knowledge, assistance or diagnosis of your
physician or healthcare provider. All decisions regarding your health are
your sole responsibility and that of your physician or healthcare
provider, as the case may be. For specific guidance regarding your
personal health, we strongly advise that you consult your physician or
healthcare provider. Schering-Plough Canada cannot be held responsible
for any interpretation or misinterpretation you may make of the
information provided herein.
*Links to other sites are provided as a convenience to
the viewer. Schering-Plough accepts no responsibility for the content, or for
the accuracy or completeness of the information provided in linked sites.
Schering-Plough does not endorse the content of the sites provided by these
links.
