Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2008-05-22, Page 3THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2008. PAGE 3. The Huron County Health Unit is beginning its West Nile virus surveillance program for the 2008 summer season. West Nile virus is an illness transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with West Nile virus show either no signs or exhibit flu-like symptoms. In some cases, the virus can cause severe illness, resulting in hospitalization and even death. People with compromised immune systems and those over 50 years of age are most at risk. Public health inspector Paul Dawson says residents of Huron County have always been a tremendous help in the surveillance program by reporting the location of dead crows and blue jays. Dead birds are typically an indicator of West Nile virus being present in an area. Last year, Huron County was fortunate enough to have no birds test positive for West Nile virus. Dawson says the health unit is asking residents again this year to report dead crows and blue jays to the health unit. “We need to continue watching closely for signs of West Nile virus in our area. It’s also important for residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Of course the best way to protect yourself from being infected is to avoid mosquito bites. Using insect repellent and eliminating mosquito breeding sites around your home will go a long way to reducing your chance of contracting West Nile virus.” You can get rid of mosquito- breeding sites around your home and vacation property by cleaning up standing water. It can be as simple as turning over wheelbarrows, toys and wading pools when not in use. All tire swings should have holes drilled in them so water can drain out. Bird bath water should be changed at least twice a week. Use insect repellents that contain no more than 30 per cent DEET, a key chemical in insect repellent. DEET should not be applied to children under six months of age. If you find a dead crow or blue jay, contact the Health Unit at 519- 482-3416 ext. 2001 or toll free at 1- 877-837-6143 ext. 2001. Leave your name, phone number and full address (including 911 address and postal code) and describe the location of the dead bird. You should not touch the bird. For more information on West Nile virus, go to the health unit website: www.huroncounty.ca/healt h/wnv.php There was a good turnout for the Blyth Public School beef supper. This is a fundraiser for the year-end trips and graduations. Thanks to all who came out and supported them. The Legion building fundraising euchre was held recently. There were 7 1/2 tables in play. Winners were: highs, Marie Glousher, 73, Hugh Cook, 71; lone hands, Helen Lee, three,Doug Cartwright, 3; low, MaeRitchie, 50, Kay Hesselwood,44.Share the wealth went to DarrellWood, Berva Cartwright and JeanNethery. Special draw prizes went toJack Lee, Jean Nethery,Dorothy Carter, Marie Glousher, Vera Hesselwood,Jewel Plunkett and Ruth Shiell. This was the last euchre for the season. See you in the fall and have a safe summer. Health Unit begins WN surveillance We’re opening the doors to your municipal well! Curious about where your water comes from? Come and see! Free Hotdogs, Hamburgers and Juice Free Gift Bags Saturday, May 24 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. At the corner of Queen St. and Thuell St. Chat with Conservation Authority staff Information about Source Protection Stewardship available Questions? For information contact: Dallas Campbell Maitland Valley Conservation Authority 519 335-3557 83341 CURRIE LINE - RR 3 BLYTH 519-523-9407 Owner: Gaye Datema COME AND SEE US THIS SEASON FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING PLANTS If you have your own planters and want your own choice in them, bring in and pick from our large selection we have this year. We can do them together and you can take them home again that same day. Evenings only by phone appointment. We have a large selection of perennials, vegetables, geraniums, impatiens, red spikes and new grasses! Beautiful Baskets & more Come and see our excellent selection of 10” Hanging Baskets ~ Fuschias, Dragon Wings, Geraniums, New Guinea Impatiens 3/$3500 Large selection of Annuals ~ Marigolds, Begonias, Alyssums, Salvias, Lobelias, Impatiens, Petunias and more $1350 flat 12 boxes (48 plants) per flat Jack & Sylvia Nonkes RR #1 Auburn 83189 Scott Line 519-523-9456 Open Mon.-Wed. 9 to 6; Thurs. - Sat. 9 to 8; Closed Sundays reg. price while quantities last Welcome to Barn Dance Jamboree Camp-out Weekend 191 Westmoreland St., Blyth 519-523-9687 Proprietor Lorna Fraser Laundromat ✓ Soft water ✓ Large washers ✓ Front load dryers ✓ Coin operated machines ✓ Loonies & quarters only ✓ Always OPEN Let’s Celebrate 2008! Blyth Youth Park Monday, June 2 at 6 pm at the Blyth Lions Park All youth and interested members of the community are invited to attend a Potluck supper. Please bring main course or dessert with plates and cutlery. Drinks are provided by the Youth Park Parent Committee. Come see what we are adding to the Park in 2008 and for the youth to show you how much they enjoy the Park. Rain date: Monday, June 9 1st Anniversary By MarilynCraigCall 523-9318From Marilyn’s Desk NEWS FROM BLYTH Dress-a-witch Students young and old joined forces last week on Harry Potter activity day at Blyth Public School. Older students waited while the younger ones ran down the field holding an item to add to the wardrobe of the student witches. Nathan Bachert adorns Lucas Nicholson with a striped tie to go with his hat. (Shawn Loughlin photo) ON $5.00 THURSDAYS Drop into either of our offices any Thursday with your word classified (maximum 20 words) and pay only $5.00 + GST (paid in advance). That’s $1.00 off regular rates. The Citizen , Blyth