Grey Bruce Public Health says a crow found in the region has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).
This is the first case of the virus being detected in a local bird in 2024. Earlier this week, Huron Perth Public Health in the south reported positive West Nile cases in mosquitos and a bird.
GBPH says while the risk of contracting the virus is low, there are steps you can take to help prevent it.
"People are most at risk of becoming infected with West Nile Virus in late summer," said Senior Public Health Manager Andrew Barton. "The single most effective way to prevent the virus is to prevent mosquito bites, by using insect repellent containing DEET or Incaridin and covering exposed skin while outdoors, particularly at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active."
The Health Unit says no WNV-positive mosquito pools have been identified this year through its regular trap testing. However, Public Health has set up additional traps in the area where the dead crow was located.
As of August 17, six Ontario residents have tested positive for WNV, according to Public Health Ontario data. No human cases of the virus have been reported in Grey-Bruce.
