WEST NILE VIRUS

What is Ontario Parks doing?

Has West Nile virus been confirmed at any provincial park locations?
To date, there have been no reported cases of West Nile virus specifically associated with provincial parks. However, infected birds and mosquitoes have been found throughout most of southern Ontario and surveillance by health officials indicates the virus continues to spread northward and eastward throughout the province, and eastward from Manitoba.

Everyone who is active and outdoors during the summer months – including campers, picnickers, hikers and canoeists – should make sure they use all the protection measures available to avoid contact with mosquitoes and West Nile virus.

Who can tell me if West Nile virus is present near the provincial park I’m planning to visit this summer?
The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care works with local public health units to monitor the presence of West Nile virus throughout the province, including in provincial parks. Current surveillance information is available at www.health.gov.on.ca or www.healthyOntario.com
For more information about surveillance in specific regions of the province, contact the health unit, which serves the area you are planning to visit. A link to a list of Ontario’s public health units and contact information is provided below.

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/phu/phuloc_dt.html

How is Ontario Parks preparing for the presence of West Nile virus in parks?
Ontario Parks is currently focusing its efforts on educating people how they can fight the bite, by encouraging visitors to cover up and use insect repellents, and providing information on West Nile virus through brochures and websites.

Regional and municipal health officials are monitoring the status of West Nile virus throughout the province, including within provincial parks. Health officials decide what mosquito control measures will be carried out locally. At this time, unless directed by local municipal health authorities, Ontario Parks does not plan to spray for mosquitoes in provincial park campgrounds or wetlands this summer.

If it became necessary to spray for adult mosquitoes, visitors would be advised about schedules before any spraying occurs through the Ontario Parks website and when they check in at park or campground offices. Signs would be posted at all park entrances.

Can I spray or fog the area around my campsite for mosquitoes?
Spraying is not considered the best way to control for adult mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can easily avoid contact with an insecticide being applied as a fog or spray. Insecticides that control adult mosquitoes also kill many other ‘good’ insects.

We ask visitors not to spray or fog the areas around their campsites or picnic areas for mosquitoes. Children, some adults, pets and wildlife are sensitive to the odours and chemicals associated with adult mosquito insecticides.

How do I reduce my exposure to mosquito bites when visiting provincial parks?
From April to October, when mosquitoes are most active, you can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. Take the following precautions:

Take time to cover up: Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. If you’re outside during this time – or out during the day in an area where there are weeds, tall grass, or bushes – cover up. Mosquitoes are attracted to darker, more intense colours so make sure you wear light-coloured clothing that includes loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts or jackets, long pants, shoes and socks. Tuck your pants into your socks for extra protection.

Invest in a bug jacket or mosquito netting for additional protection, and limit the use of colognes, perfumes, and scented body lotions that can attract mosquitoes and other biting insects.

Use an insect repellent: Consider the use of a federally regulated insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) when mosquitoes are biting. Adults may use an insect repellent that contains no greater than 30 per cent DEET and no greater than 10 per cent for children. Check the label for more detailed information or ask your pharmacist or physician for assistance. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for use carefully.

Apply the repellent to exposed skin, and clothing as well, because mosquitoes may bite through fabric. Do not apply repellent under clothing.

For information and safety tips on using personal insect repellents call your doctor or visit Health Canada’s web page:

www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/pdf/pnotes/deet-e.pdf
(Safety Tips on Using Personal Insect Repellents)

Note: Health Canada advises that DEET-containing repellents are not to be used on children under 6 months of age. It recommends that, where there is a high risk of complications to the child from insect bites, DEET may be considered for children aged 6 months to 2 years. Apply only once a day. Use sparingly, avoid the face and hands, apply only once a day, and use the least concentrated product (10 per cent or less)

Health Canada also advises not to apply DEET more than three times a day to children between 2 and 12 years of age.

Do you have additional tips on how to reduce exposure to mosquito bites while planning for or on vacation in Ontario’s provincial parks?

Before you go camping:

• Repair or replace old screens in the windows, doors and vents of tent-trailers and RVs.
• Repair any other possible entry points into your sleeping and dining shelters, such as tears or holes in seams or along zippers.
• Consider borrowing or purchasing a dining tent with mosquito netting so your family can enjoy protected outdoor living during periods of high mosquito activity.
• Pack light coloured and long-sleeved clothing that includes long sleeved shirts or jackets, long pants, shoes, and tuck pants into socks for extra protection Invest in a bug suit with mosquito netting.
• Purchase an insect repellent containing DEET, and apply the repellent according to the manufacturer’s directions.

While vacationing at the park:

• Keep your body covered when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from skin. Long pants and long sleeves, as well as shoes and socks are ideal clothing choices when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use a mosquito repellent containing DEET (according to the manufacturer's directions).
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure.
• Place mosquito netting over infant carriers when outdoors.
• Avoid hiking, walking or sitting in areas where mosquitoes tend to rest and breed such as leafy underbrush, wetlands, stagnant ponds and riverbanks.
  

Last Modified: August 6, 2008
© Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2008