West Nile Virus
It's a virus that is migrating across the continent.
Carried by birds, transmitted by mosquitoes, it can strike anyone and can have long lasting negative health consequences and can even be fatal.
Please, view disclaimer at the bottom of the page.
What you can do to
prevent mosquito bites:
What you can do to control
the mosquito population:
- Wear light coloured clothing that covers as much as possible
- Stay indoors during "mosquito time"
- Use mosquito repellent - some say that repellents containing DEET are more effective but DEET can also be dangerous - use it according to the directions or not at all. Use the links below for more DEET information.
- Make sure all windows have screens and that the screens are intact, with no holes. If your windows do not have screens, keep them closed during "mosquito time".
- Mosquitoes breed in water - and they only need a few drops to do so!
- Empty the wading pool once the kids are done with it.
- Use mosquito netting or a very fine mesh to cover standing water that can't be changed frequently. (ie. rain barrels, decorative ponds)
- Change the water in your bird bath! It gets gross anyways and the birds will thank you.
- Change your pet's drinking water.
- Anywhere that water collects - empty it or net it!
- Places that water can collect include rain gutters, pool covers, containers of all sorts, and
BC residents may use their postal code to enter the online BC Health Guide. Once you enter the site, West Nile Virus information is only a click away. (As of June 20th, 2003, there are no confirmed cases in birds in BC. Ontario and Quebec have both found dead birds carrying the virus.)
Health Canada's West Nile Virus information page
Information for Canadians on the transmission of West Nile Virus. They also provide dead bird reporting online. Help monitor the spread of WNV by reporting any dead birds you see. (It goes without saying - do NOT touch any dead birds!)
Centers for Disease Control - West Nile Basics
View the CDC's Frequently Asked Questions about West Nile Virus - includes updated maps of West Nile confirmed cases.
Centers for Disease Control - West Nile and Breastfeeding
Can it be transmitted through breastmilk? Should you continue nursing if you test positive for West Nile Virus? Answers to these questions and more at this informative page.
Centers for Disease Control - Safe use of insect repellants
What is DEET anyway? Is it safe? Can I use it on my toddler? Another informative CDC page answers these questions.
| Home | Contact us | Shop | Play free games! | MostlyMommies' Links | Privacy Policy |
|---|