No humans or birds have ever been diagnosed as having West Nile Virus on P.E.I.; however, monitoring for the virus is still necessary. A total of 86 dead birds were submitted for testing on P.E.I. last year and efforts are continuing to monitor any incidence of West Nile Virus in the province.
Mosquito sampling and identification efforts are already underway this year on P.E.I. and being carried out by Department of Health staff. There are indications that populations of mosquitoes will be arriving earlier and in greater numbers than last year. Mosquito monitoring will be focused on the West Prince and Charlottetown areas where most of the Culex species of mosquitoes are found. The Culex species are known to be carriers of the West Nile Virus.
Dr. Lamont Sweet, Chief Health Officer for the Province, says, “People can prevent being bitten by avoiding exposure to mosquitoes in the early morning and after dusk, and by wearing insect repellent, long sleeves and pants. Screening can prevent mosquitoes from entering buildings. Breeding places for mosquitoes can be reduced by removing water birdbaths, eaves, and other containers where water may accumulate.”
Dead crows, blue jays, and ravens can be submitted beginning June 1 of this year, and residents who find a bird that requires testing are asked to call the following numbers: In Charlottetown, call 894-5208 during regular working hours, or 628-5039 after hours and on holidays and weekends. In the rest of the province, call 1-866-368- 4683.
Information regarding West Nile Virus can be obtained from the website at www.gov.pe.ca and search for “West Nile Virus.”