Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Fact Sheet - Protecting yourself from West Nile virus


TORONTO, May 15 /CNW/ - West Nile virus (WNv) has arrived in Ontario and
it's important to know the steps you can take to protect yourself and your
family. Now that the warmer weather is here and you're working around the
house, it's the perfect time to take a look around your property and get rid
of the places that would make breeding sites or resting places for mosquitoes.
It's a good idea to check out:

Any type of standing water

- clean up and empty containers of standing water such as old tires,
flower pots, wheelbarrows, or tin cans
- drill holes in the bottoms of containers that must be left outdoors
- cover rain barrels with tight-fitting screening
- change water in birdbaths every other day

Swimming or wading pools

- immediately remove water that collects on pool covers
- make sure the pool's pump is circulating
- turn over wading pools when not in use
- install aerators or any method that creates water surface movement in
ponds

Eaves, drains and roofs

- clear leaves and twigs from eavestroughs, storm and roof gutters
- make sure drainage ditches are not clogged
- check flat roofs frequently for standing water

Yard and lawn maintenance

- lawn cuttings, raked leaves and other decaying debris should be
collected and recycled or mulched
- turn over the compost frequently
- fill in low depressions and tire ruts in lawn areas
- clear out dense shrubbery

Windows

- check window screens for holes and make sure they fit snugly into the
window frame

Spread the word. Point out potential mosquito breeding areas to your
neighbours. For further information, check out: http://www.HealthyOntario.com.