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TORONTO, June 16, 2003 -- Toronto Public Health advises that the risk of becoming seriously ill with West Nile virus remains low, and most people who get the virus will experience no symptoms or mild flu-like symptoms that disappear after a few days. However, some individuals may become seriously ill from the virus and experience lasting symptoms.
York University is regularly monitoring public health advisories. Toronto Public Health recommends the following integrated approach to prevention and control of West Nile virus:
- Personal protection
Apply insect repellent with (10% or less of) DEET when in areas where mosquitoes are likely to be found (e.g. in the woods, near a ravine, etc.).
Wear light-coloured long-sleeve shirts, long pants, shoes and socks outdoors whenever possible.
Stay indoors at dawn and at dusk through early evening.
Mosquito control – breeding sites, principally pools of stagnant water and places with decaying organic matter, should be eliminated or treated.
Disease surveillance – dead birds, which may carry the virus, will be selectively tested by Toronto Public Health.
Mosquito breeding is most prevalent in the summer months when the temperature of stagnant water reaches 22 degrees Celsius. Moving water sites on campus, such as, the fountain in front of Vari Hall and Stong Pond, are not considered breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The reflecting pond on the Common and the "rainbow pond" adjacent to Scott Library are not a concern because their waters contain disinfectant to prevent growth of algae.
Areas on the Keele Campus that may be conducive to mosquito breeding are in the vicinity of the two ponds of water in the Boyer Woodlot, and in the catch basins found within the campus roadway and Parking Lot infrastructure. Similar ponds in the woodlots of the Glendon campus have also been identified as possible concerns. These areas on both campuses will be treated to eliminate mosquito breeding in accordance with similar treatment measures being taken across the GTA.
Grounds staff are reducing their risk of exposure by avoiding work in adjacent woodlot areas in the early morning hours when mosquito activity is greater; wearing clothing covering the entire body; wearing DEET mosquito repellent.
To report a dead bird on campus, contact the Department of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) at 416-736-5491, and provide a description of the bird and where it was found. DOHS will contact Toronto Public Health for instructions on pick-up or disposal.
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For further information, please refer to the following Web site:
