Bird in Wawa tests positive for West Nile virus

West Nile virus detected in Wawa-area bird. Algoma Public Health says risk is low but urges precautions like wearing light clothing, using repellent and coverin

A wild bird in Wawa recently tested positive for West Nile virus, Algoma Public Health said in a news release Wednesday.

“This result indicates the presence of (the virus) in Algoma and the potential risk to its residents during peak mosquito season,” the health unit said.

West Nile has been found in birds, mosquitoes, horses and humans in Ontario since the summer of 2001. It’s spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

In turn, a mosquito gets infected by biting a bird that carries the virus.

“The virus is not known to spread from person-to-person, nor directly from bird-to-person,” Public Health said.

Risk is low

“The risk of becoming infected with (West Nile) in Algoma is low.”

Residents can protect themselves from bites by wearing light-coloured clothing when outdoors, since mosquitoes are attracted to darker colours.

Wearing tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes also helps prevent bites from mosquitoes, which are most active from dusk to dawn.

“Most people who contract West Nile virus will not feel any symptoms,” the release said.

“About one in five people infected may experience mild illness including fever, headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting and rash on the chest, stomach or back.”

Severe symptoms – which include muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, numbness and sudden sensitivity to light -- are rare and are more likely to develop in older individuals and those who are immunocompromised.

A reminder to the public that Algoma Public Health does not accept dead birds. If you find a dead bird on your property, you can contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative to learn more about their surveillance and submission programs.

Learn more about West Nile virus by clicking here.