Plans To Combat Mosquito-Borne Illness - 2004-05-19 at 07:14
Health Minister Unveils 2004 Plans To Combat Mosquito-Borne Illness
TORONTO, May 13 /CNW/ - Ontarians must remember that they need to continue to protect themselves against the West Nile virus, Health and Long- Term Care Minister George Smitherman said today at the launch of the Ontario government's 2004 West Nile virus campaign.
"West Nile virus can be prevented, and by taking simple precautions people can stay safe and healthy this summer," said Smitherman. "Our government is launching a comprehensive public education campaign to encourage Ontarians to protect themselves from West Nile virus. "Ontarians need to continue to educate themselves about the benefits of covering up, using insect repellent and cleaning up places where mosquitoes breed."
Some of the more common ways to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes include:
- cleaning up around your property and home by clearing eavestroughs and areas of standing water where mosquitoes breed; - wearing long-sleeved clothing and avoiding the outdoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active; and - using the recommended amount of insect repellent containing DEET, as outlined in the manufacturers' directions.
Ontario will launch a major four month public education campaign beginning May 17, 2004, including a province-wide advertising campaign, media and promotional activities and educational materials through retail and healthcare locations.
"We continue to provide Ontarians with the most accurate, up-to-date information available to help fight West Nile virus," said Dr. Sheela Basrur, Chief Medical Officer of Health and Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Health Division. "People need to take correct and appropriate measures in personal protection in order to avoid contracting West Nile virus."
"Following these steps will go a long way toward keeping all Ontarianshealthier," added Smitherman. Last year, there were a total of 89 cases of West Nile virus in Ontario.
West Nile virus (WNv) is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite an infected bird. The virus is not spread by person-to-person contact through touching, coughing, sneezing, or drinking from the same cup. The risk of being infected by handling a dead bird is very low. Wear gloves or use a thick plastic bag if you have to handle a dead bird. While horses can also be infected with West Nile virus, they cannot spread the virus to humans.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WEST NILE VIRUS?
It is impossible to tell from the appearance of a mosquito bite whether the mosquito was infected with WNv. Four out of five people who are bitten by an infected mosquito do not show any symptoms. Most people who become infected will experience no symptoms, some will have a very mild illness, and a few people may develop serious neurological illnesses such as encephalitis, persistent weakness or paralysis.
SYMPTOMS
The following symptoms can be an early warning of WNv. These non-specific symptoms may be due to WNv infection or other illness, so seek medical attention to determine the cause:
- Fever - Muscle weakness - Stiff neck - Confusion - Severe headache - Sudden sensitivity to light
Extreme swelling or infection at the site of the mosquito bite is another reason to seek medical attention. If you have concerns, consult your physician.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Who is at risk?
Everyone who is outside during the summer months while gardening, golfing, walking, camping, etc. should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Everyone is at risk from West Nile virus and should make sure they use all the protection measures to avoid contact with mosquitoes.
Care should be taken to ensure that children are properly protected when they are outdoors since they may not be able to protect themselves. Use mosquito netting for babies or toddlers in cribs or strollers.
Tips on how to protect yourself and your family
Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites by following these simple steps:
- Cover up - Use insect repellent when outdoors - Clean up all around the house and garden
Mosquitoes are attracted to darker, more intense colours so make sure you wear light colours and the following types of clothing when going outside:
- Long-sleeved shirts or jackets - Long pants - Tuck pants into socks for extra protection
Use insect repellent
Consider using personal insect repellents that are federally registered, such as those that contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). Several DEET-free botanical repellents are federally registered but provide a much shorter period of protection. For minimal time outdoors (e.g., less than 30 minutes) these products provide an alternative to DEET. Read label directions for use. The concentration of DEET should be no greater than 30 per cent for adults and no greater than 10 per cent for children. Check the label for more detailed information or ask your pharmacist for help. Use only when needed and follow label directions carefully, including restrictions for use on young children and the maximum number of applications per day.
Apply repellent sparingly on exposed skin or on top of clothing. Do not use under clothing. The repellent doesn't have to be applied heavily to be effective - a light coating will do.
FIGHT THE BITE: EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ABOUT WEST NILE VIRUS
The McGuinty government is launching a comprehensive, public education campaign to help Ontarians Fight the Bite and protect themselves against West Nile virus (WNv). The focus of the fourth-month long campaign will shift this year from building awareness of WNv to getting Ontarians to use their knowledge of the virus and practise more personal protection.
The public education effort includes television, radio and newspapers ads; media and promotional activities and retail/consumer handouts.
Advertising
Banner ads will be placed in almost 300 community and ethnic newspapers (in 18 languages) province-wide, beginning May 17.
A 30-second television commercial will appear province wide, also on May 17. Besides English and French, there are also versions of the ad in 21 other languages. There is also a 15-second open/close piece that will be used on programming, such as gardening shows, on TVO, HGTV, Discovery, LIFE and WTV.
Also beginning May 17, a series of 30-second commercials will air on radio stations across Ontario as well as ethnic stations (in 10 languages). A series of 10-second tags will be airing on cottage traffic reports on weekends.
Media Activities
Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman and Dr. Sheela Basrur, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, will be making appearances on radio health shows, television health items and gardening shows to remind Ontarians about what they can do to prevent West Nile virus. Articles by Dr. Basrur will also be appearing in community newspapers.
Public Awareness Materials
Promotional materials, including brochures, two posters and a fact sheet, will be distributed through public health units, pharmacies, medical waiting rooms, shopping mall information kiosks, and other government ministries.
Retail/Consumer Handouts
About 2.5 million tear sheets - which feature four different themes on gardening, camping, hiking and fishing - will be available in grocery, pharmacy and outdoor retail outlets. At least four million brochures will be distributed through major retailers in Ontario (i.e., Home Depot).
