HKPR - Healthy Environments

Wednesday, September 08, 2010 - 5:36:19 AM

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Keeping Your Cool

As hot, hazy and humid conditions persist in the region, the Health Unit urges people to take precautions in the extreme temperatures.

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Lets Target Lyme!

With casese of Lyme disease on the rise in parts of southern Ontario, it's time to "Get Tick Smart!"

Enjoy Summer Safely

Make the most of your summer vacation, but remember that being safe does not take a holiday -- no matter what time of year.

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Child Car Seats: It's Time For a Change

If your child's car seat is out-of-date, then it needs to be replaced. In Haliburton County, discounts are available on the purchase of new select car seats at local retailers.

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Beach Testing

Planning to visit a local beach this summer? Find out whether it is safe to swim at beaches in Northumberland County, Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

White Nose Syndrome in Bats

With White Nose Syndrome being detected in bats in Ontario, you are asked to take precautions when coming in contact with bats.

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Simply Safer is Simply Smarter

Considering home renovations? A free Simply Safer is Simply Smarter Kit can help you build safey features into your plans for a home safe home.

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Taste that Hits Home

With the warmer wether here, there is no place like home for enjoying fresh food grown and produced in your own community.

How Well is Your Well Water?

Free well water testing is available for local residents. Let the local Health Unit help you ensure your drinking water is safe.

Convictions

Through its inspection work, the Health Unit has obtained convictions against establishments that contravene various pieces of health legislation.

Prevent West Nile Virus: Fight the bite

mosquito

Summer is here, and that means a return of the West Nile virus.

Reduce your risk of getting sick from West Nile by avoiding the bite of mosquitoes that can spread the virus.

What is West Nile virus?

West Nile is a virus that arrived in Canada in 2001. West Nile is mainly spread to people by the bite of mosquitoes, which become infected by feeding on an infected bird. While most people who get West Nile do not get sick, approximately one in 150 people infected will experience serious symptoms. These include high fever, severe headache, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, tremours, numbness and sudden sensitivity to light. In rare cases, West Nile virus can cause swelling of the brain or death. Anyone who suspects they have West Nile virus should seek immediate medical attention.

How do I prevent West Nile virus?

Cover Up.

Cover up when outside (Hint: This is especially important between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active).
Use federally-registered personal insect repellents on exposed skin, such as products containing DEET.

Details on DEET

• The concentration of DEET should be no greater than 30% for adults and no greater than 10% for children.

• DEET-based repellents can also be used on top of clothing. Do not use it under clothing.

• Several DEET-free botanical repellents are federally registered but provide a shorter time of effectiveness. If you are going outdoors for less than 30 minutes, these are safe, effective alternatives.

- Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

When the weather permits, wear protective clothing outside such as long-sleeved shirts, jackets, long pants, hats and socks (Hint: Choose light-coloured clothing because mosquitoes tend to be attracted to darker colours).

Clean Up

Remove potential mosquito breeding areas around your property by:

Getting rid of standing water that mosquitoes need to lay their eggs. (Hint: Water collects in all sorts of places, including pool covers, flower pots, wheelbarrows, recycling boxes, garbage cans, old tires and wading pools).
Fill in low depressions in your lawn.
Cover rain barrels with a fine screen mesh.
Change water in bird baths at least once a week.
Clean out dense bush and shrubbery where mosquitoes can rest.
Turn over your compost pile on a regular basis.
Organize a community cleanup to reduce mosquito breeding areas in your neighbourhood.

Change in West Nile Virus Surveillance for 2009

Dead birds are no longer tested for the West Nile virus, a decision made by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. In the past, dead birds were a good indicator of West Nile virus activity in Ontario. However now that West Nile virus is here to stay in Ontario, tracking dead birds is no longer deemed necessary.
If you find a dead bird on your property, dispose of it by wearing gloves or using a shovel to pick up the carcass, and then putting it into a double bag for disposal in your regular garbage pickup. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any dead animal. Remember: you cannot get West Nile virus by handling a dead bird.
If you want to report a dead bird, you can contact the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Service directly at 1-866-673-4781. The Wildlife Service will determine if the specimen is suitable for testing.

News Releases

Tell Mosquitoes to Buzz Off and Reduce Risk of West Nile Virus - May 6, 2009

Links

For more information on preventing West Nile virus, contact your local Health Unit office or call toll-free 1-866-888-4577. For additional West Nile Virus resources, visit:

May 6, 2009