WNV is a potentially serious illness that’s transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms may range from headache and high fever to neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation and paralysis.

Public Health Services for the City of Hamilton monitors WNV activity and has developed a comprehensive program that includes:

• checking mosquito breeding sites on city lands

• treating developing mosquitoes in city land surface waters from May to October

• treating catch basins in June, July and August

• setting adult mosquito traps weekly, between mid-June and the fall frost

• conducting human surveillance year-round

• Assessing the ongoing risk to the public and controlling mosquitoes when necessary.

There are also steps residents can take to greatly minimize the chance of contracting the illness. For one, people should generally avoid areas with large numbers of mosquitoes. When outdoors, especially at dusk and at dawn, residents should wear light-coloured clothing, long sleeves, long pants, socks and a hat. People should also use insect repellents containing DEET.

Keeping certain items around the property in order can also be an effective way to reduce mosquito breeding grounds since the insects lay their eggs in standing water. Turning over wading pools and changing birdbaths on a weekly basis can help reduce the number of mosquitoes around the home. Other methods include keeping eavestroughs and downspouts clear of leaves and twigs and ensuring you have an undamaged fine mesh screen over any rain barrel on your property.

The standing water bylaw is in effect from April 1 to October 31 and applies to private and public property within the urban areas of the city.

One thing that will change in the monitoring program this year is the discontinuation of testing dead birds as an indicator of West Nile virus. While dead crows and blue jays have helped to identify areas where WNV activity is occurring, the information collected across the province over the past few years has confirmed when and where the virus will most likely occur.

Public health will continue to track dead birds through sightings reported by the public, as an increase in sightings could indicate an increase of West Nile virus locally. If there is an increasing trend, Public Health Services will decide on control measures and public awareness messages to protect human health.

To report standing water or dead birds in your area, call 905-546-3575 or e-mail westnile@hamilton.ca

With the season of pool parties, backyard barbecues and gardening finally here, it is important to take precautions against contracting or contributing to the spread of this virus. Additional information about West Nile virus is available at www.hamilton.ca/westnile/