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Hazards & Mitigation

West Nile Virus

 West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that infects birds, animals, and humans.  The virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.  Mosquitoes become infected by biting an infected bird.  The virus can cause flu-like symptoms and, in rare cases, meningitis or encephalitis.

Protect Yourself Against West Nile Virus
The best defence is prevention to minimize mosquito bites.  This includes eliminating any sources of standing water around your home or business, wearing light coloured long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors, limiting your outdoor activity at dusk and dawn, and using insect repellent containing DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

For more information check out the PDF Document Information on West Nile Virus brochure for Richmond.

What is the City of Richmond Doing About West Nile?
The City has implemented a West Nile Virus abatement program.  Richmond Health Services (RHS) has been contracted to carry out this program, which is designed to reduce mosquito populations to help combat the spread of the West Nile virus. The program includes:

  1. Proactive Mosquito Surveillance/Larviciding Program

RHS is actively monitoring potential breeding sites on City properties, including Sturgeon Bank, City ditches and City catch basins/inspection chambers for the presence of mosquito larvae.  Larviciding of affected areas has begun in an effort to reduce mosquito populations and will continue as larval development increases in warmer weather.  

    2.    Early Detection Program

Adult mosquitoes trapped from several locations throughout Richmond are being tested for West Nile Virus and species identification.  Suitable dead corvids (crows, ravens, magpies, blue jays and stellar jays) are also being tested for the virus.  This will help us determine if and/or when the virus has reached our area so that appropriate warnings can be issued and additional measures taken to combat the spread of the virus.  

     3.   Customer Service Program

RHS responds to public complaints concerning potential mosquito habitats; education materials provided to private landowners.

West Nile Virus Q&A
West Nile Virus and Transmission
What is West Nile Fever?

  • West Nile Fever is caused by an infection with WNV.
  • Symptoms typically include fever, headache, and body aches; a rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands may also be present.
  • About 20% of those infected will develop mild flu-like symptoms lasting a week or less.  Most people infected with WNV will experience no symptoms at all.
  • In less than 1% of cases, WNV can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
  • For unknown reasons, people over 50 years of age are most at risk for severe illness.

How is the virus spread?

  • WNV is a mosquito-borne virus.  It is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.  Mosquitoes become infected by biting an infected bird.
  • A very small percentage may become infected through blood transfusion or organ donation.

Risk of Infection
What is the risk of WNV in BC?

  • Species of mosquitoes capable of transmitting WNV do exist in BC.
  • It is expected that WNV will be identified in BC during the summer of 2007 as the virus continues its northwestern spread across North America.

When is the risk greatest?

  • In North America, WNV transmission is most likely to occur during mosquito season, usually from mid-May until hard frost (late September/October).

How likely am I to get sick from one mosquito bite?

  • Even in areas where mosquitoes do carry the virus, very few mosquitoes are infected.
  • If the mosquito is infected, less than 1% of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill.
  • The chance you will become severely ill from one mosquito bite is extremely small.

What are the symptoms?

  • The majority of people who get infected with WNV have no symptoms and are not at risk for health problems.  Others experience mild flu-like symptoms.  Less than one per cent of people infected with WNV will develop a serious illness.  The overall risk for serious illness increases with age.  If illness occurs, it usually happens five to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

What is the treatment for West Nile Virus?

  • There is no medication or cure for WNV, but many of the symptoms of the disease can be treated.  most people who are infected make a full recovery.  There is no vaccine at this time.

Surveillance for WNV in BC
What action is being taken in Richmond to monitor for WNV?

  • Richmond Health Department and British Columbia Centre for Disease Control are working with the BC Animal Health Centre, wildlife officials, entomologists, and other agencies to monitor for WNV in BC.
  • Monitoring and testing programs are in place for adult mosquitoes and dead birds of the corvid species.

What can I do if I spot a dead bird?

  • If you spot a dead corvid (crow, raven, magpie, blue jay or stellar jay), contact the Richmond Health Department at 604-233-3147.

How to properly handle and dispose of dead birds?

  • Avoid barehanded contact.
  • Use gloves and double-bag the carcass using thick plastic bags.  
  • Wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
  • Drop off dead birds for disposal at:
    • The Richmond Animal Protection Society
      12071 No. 5 Road, Richmond. 
      Tel: 604-275-2036. 
      Open from 9am -5pm, Monday to Friday.

Treatment and Protection from WNV
How can I control mosquitoes around my home or business?
Eliminate any source of standing water such as:

  • Abandoned equipment, old tires, flower pots, storage drums or refuse areas.
  • Bird baths and wading pools (aerate or change water weekly)
  • Eaves and roof gutters.
  • Low depressions in the landscape resulting from tire ruts or excavation.
  • Tarps, flat roofs, awnings or other surfaces where water can collect.
  • Pump-out accumulated sludge in catch basins or trench drains on private property.

How can I protect myself against WNV?

For More Information on WNV
If you have concerns about dead birds, mosquitoes or the West Nile Virus please contact Richmond Health Services at 604-233-3147 or, visit the following sites:

For more information on WNV symptoms, contact the B.C Nurseline at 604-215-4700.