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Most people now likely immune to West Nile: health unit

There was a time when the West Nile Virus (WNV) caused a significant stir among outdoor enthusiasts at the mere sight of a mosquito.
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Concerns around the spread of Zika virus on South and Central America has not deterred travelers from visiting popular vacation destinations. File photo.
There was a time when the West Nile Virus (WNV) caused a significant stir among outdoor enthusiasts at the mere sight of a mosquito.

Though many Ontarians have developed an immunity to the virus, the Sudbury District Health Unit (SDHU) still advises residents to take care and protect themselves against mosquitoes.

The SDHU used to run tests on deceased birds to screen them for WNV. This practice is no longer necessary, as the virus has made a home for itself in the guts of the pesky little insects that make their homes in Northern Ontario.

“We know that West Nile Virus has established itself in the province and we know that it can be fatal to small animals like mice or birds,” said Holly Browne, Manager of Environmental Health, SDHU. “We also know that these animals, once dead, cannot transmit the virus to humans and they're of no risk to people.”

The virus itself is carried in by mosquitoes and is transmitted through the passing of their fluids into the bloodstream of whoever or whatever they're feasting on. A bird or mouse may carry it until they eventually die, but humans can carry the virus without ever showing any symptoms.

“(WNV) has been around for quite a long time now, and most of us may be immune to it by now,” said Browne. “That doesn't mean that you shouldn't protect yourself though and avoiding mosquito bites is the best bet.”

Should a person find a dead bird or mouse in your yard without any physical signs of harm, it's possible it was killed by the virus, but they would be safe to dispose of it without harm.

“I'd still advise wearing gloves and double bagging the animal,” said Browne. “There's a risk of ticks on a decomposing animal, so you should still be aware of that. Once the animal has been bagged it's fine to just dispose of it along with your household waste.”

While the SDHU may not screen birds for WNV anymore, and haven't for at least five years, they are still running tests on the mosquitoes themselves on a regular basis.

The health unit sets out traps every week from Monday to Wednesday in the city and outlying areas.

“We set the traps in the evening and bring them back in the morning and they are sent to a company we contract to run the tests,” said Browne. “If the tests come back positive we will certainly notify the public of the area where the virus has been discovered.”

A deceased bird or other animal on personal property is the responsibility of the homeowner, but if anyone discovers a deceased animal on city property they are asked to contact either the SDHU at 705-522-9200 or the City of Greater Sudbury at 3-1-1.

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