10 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday September 7, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Two Oakville residents may have West Nile virus Although two Oakville residents have been identified as the first likely cases of human infection with West Nile virus (WNv) in Halton this year, they probably weren't infected locally. "Exposure almost certainly occurred outside of Halton Region. Each reported travelling during the days in which they most likely became infected," said Dr. Bob Nosal, medical officer of health for Halton Region. The Halton Region Health Department has received initial results from the Central Public Health Laboratory in Toronto and is awaiting the results of confirmatory testing for the two residents. People infected with WNv may experience fever, headache, muscle soreness, weakness, and, in some, a rash. A small number of infected persons may experience much more serious problems. The risk of serious illness from WNv increases with age. It is especially important for older adults and elderly persons to protect themselves against mosquito bites. The Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre in Guelph has confirmed that three dead crows and a dead blue jay picked up by the Health Department since Aug. 27 have tested positive for WNv. One crow was found in Hornby and two crows were found in Burlington. The blue jay was found in Oakville. This brings Halton Region's WNv positive dead bird count to seven for 2007. A batch of mosquitoes trapped on Aug. 28 tested positive for WNv. The batch was trapped in the area near North Service Road and Brant Street in Burlington. This was the first positive mosquito trap in Burlington this season. Milton and Georgetown have each had positive traps as reported previously. Mosquitoes can transmit WNv to humans after becoming infected by feeding on the blood of birds carrying the virus. Residents can protect themselves from mosquitoes by following these steps: · Cover up. Wear lightcoloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric. · Avoid being outdoors from early evening to morning when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, as well as at any time in shady, wooded areas. · Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects. Change the water in bird baths at least weekly. · Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET. Maps showing the locations of positive birds as well as standing water sites that have had larvicide applied are available on the Health Department's website at www.halton.ca/wnv. To report a dead bird or standing water, or for more information about West Nile virus, call Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-8664HALTON (1-866-442-5866), TTY 905-827-9833 or e-mail wnv@halton.ca. Auto workers hold all-candidates debate Sept. 12 Local 707 of the CAW (Canadian Auto Workers) union is hosting an all-candidates meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 12 for candidates running in the Oakville riding in the Oct. 10 provincial election. The meeting is from 7-9 p.m. at the Galaxy 707, 475 North Service Rd. E. While the debate will cover a variety of community issues and allow candidates to express their party's platform, it will also explore concerns about the automobile manufacturing sector. Local 707 of the CAW represents unionized workers at Ford of Canada's Oakville Assembly Plant. The New Soho is ...... OH SO ...... HOT The long-distance runner's runner. Father's Day Special "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c a 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905.337.2066 858 Men's & Women's High Mileage Trainer · · · · The 858 is the upgrade of the popular 857 with improved distance-friendly features ABZORB in Forefoot provides exceptional shock absorption Ndurance Outsole for unsurpassed durability TPU Medial Post Pronation control for the moderate to severe overpronator 5 Oakville . W E. Q. 9 LE IDD ER M AST UPPROAD E The largest selection of New Balance apparel, accessories and footwear in multiple widths. 8 403 TH TH E LIN E LIN Upper Middle Rd E & 8th Line 905.337.9393 www.newbalanceoakville.ca