The Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre in Guelph has confirmed that a dead blue jay picked up by the Halton Region Health Department on August 11, 2008, has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). 

The blue jay, found in the area of Cornwall and Chartwell Roads in Oakville, is the first WNV positive bird found in Halton this year. 

A second bird, a crow picked up near Fourth Line and Rebecca Street in Oakville on August 12, is presumptively positive for WNV. 

A second test is being conducted to confirm the crow result.

“Late August/early September is the peak time for bird and human infections with West Nile virus,” said Dr. Monir Taha, Associate Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region. 

“While this summer’s rain has created lots of breeding sites for mosquitoes, the lack of heat waves has slowed down West Nile virus growth somewhat.  Summer still has a way to go though, and West Nile virus activity can easily continue to increase.  Please protect yourself from mosquito bites.”

Mosquitoes can transmit WNV to humans after becoming infected by feeding on the blood of birds carrying the virus.  The following are steps that residents can take to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:
• Cover up.  Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric.
• Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET.
• Limit your time outdoors from dusk to dawn.  This is when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, as well as at any time in shady, wooded areas.
• Keep mosquitoes out of your home with well-maintained window and door screening.
• Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects.  Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is reporting one “probable/confirmed” human case of WNV in Ontario so far this season.

Maps showing the locations of positive birds, as well as standing water sites that have had larvicide applied are available on the Health Department’s website at www.halton.ca/wnv.

To report a dead bird or standing water, or for more information about West Nile virus, please call Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866), TTY 905-827-9833 or email wnv@halton.ca.