PHSD Warns of West Nile Virus After Bird Tests Positive

A local health unit's warning about the dangers of West Nile virus as a bird's tested positive in the Greater Sudbury area.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says it has received confirmation an American Crow tested positive, but noted the virus hasn't been detected in mosquitoes in the region this year - it last was detected in the region last year, though Algoma Public Health reported earlier this month that it had confirmed its first human case of West Nile since 2018, after a wild crow in Sault Ste. Marie tested positive.

PHSD emphasizes the bird testing positive reminds that "although the overall risk of a person becoming infected is low, the virus is still present", urging precautions such as wearing Health Canada-approved insect repellent and light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing, ensuring there are no holes or tears in screen doors and windows of your home, and removing - or weekly changing - of standing water around your home.