Toronto Public Health today launched this year's program to reduce risks associated with West Nile Virus. The plan involves surveillance of birds and mosquitoes for the virus and the placing of larvicide in City-owned storm water catch basins. Residents can report dead birds for pick-up and request assistance to deal with pools of stagnant water.
Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Karl Kabasele said that taking personal precautions and reducing mosquito breeding sites are still the best methods of prevention against the virus.
"Although the number of human cases decreased significantly last year compared to 2002, we know the risk is still present. People should wear appropriate clothing and use insect repellent in areas where mosquitoes are likely to be found," said Dr. Kabasele.
In 2002, 163 cases of the virus and 11 deaths were reported in Toronto. Last year, 44 cases were reported and there were no deaths. The risk of becoming seriously ill with the virus is very low and most people who get the virus have either no symptoms or mild, flu-like symptoms that disappear after a few days.
Catch basins on Toronto streets will be tested for mosquito larvae and the results will determine when larviciding begins, likely by mid-June. Larvicides are placed in the water to control mosquitoes where they breed before becoming adults. Dates and locations of larviciding will be posted on the City's web site.
The WNV program has been developed in consultation with the provincial government and is being coordinated with neighbouring municipalities.
