A dead crow infected with West Nile Virus has been found in Oshawa. The bird was picked up Aug. 11 and submitted by the Durham Region health department to the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre (CCWHC) in Guelph where it tested positive for WNV. This is the third positive test result out of Durham Region this summer.

The first positive bird was found in Uxbridge at the beginning of the month with the second located in Port Perry on Aug. 6.“Even though the temperature has been cooler than normal for this time of year, it’s still important for area residents to remember that mosquitoes remain active,” says Laura Freeland, manager of environmental health for the health department.

“As a result, we encourage everyone to continue taking precautions to help reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.” With other recent reports of WNV activity in the GTA, the health department advises area residents take precautions and reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

People are urged to: - Avoid areas with high mosquito populations - Take extra precautions from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active - Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET - Wear light-coloured clothing (mosquitoes are attracted to darker colours), including long sleeves, pants, socks and a hat to cover exposed skin - Make sure all windows and doors in the home have tight fitting screens and are in good condition - Get rid of stagnant water that remains for more that a week around the outside of the home to help eliminzate potential breeding sites.

Since beginning surveillance activities in May, the Durham Region health department has submitted 31 dead birds to the CCWHC for testing.

The department also continues to submit mosquitoes to be tested for the virus with no positive test results to date. Area residents are urged to continue reporting dead bird sightings. For more information on WNVor to report sightings of dead crows, blue jays or raptors, please call the health department's environmental help line at 905-723-3818 or 1-888- 777-9613, ext. 2188. Sightings can also be reported online atwww.region.durham.on.ca.