Avoid illness and infection this summer

Jun 06, 2007

Cottage season has arrived, but before people can relax and enjoy their summer retreats, there are many chores to do.

While spring cleaning is going on, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has some reminders to keep the coming summer season free from unwanted illness or infection.

The well: Get your well-water tested. Regular tests are important to show whether the well has developed any problems that would allow surface water to contaminate the supply. Sample bottles are available from health unit offices, and samples can be taken back to the health unit.

Follow the instructions that come with the bottle carefully. If you draw your water from a river or lake, it is not safe for consumption and must be treated first.

Rabies: Bats can carry rabies. They can also roost inside a cottage during the day. Treat them with extra caution, especially if they are flying during daylight hours. If you think a pet has been bitten or exposed to an animal that might be rabid, call your nearest office of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which is listed in the blue pages of your phone book. If you think you have been exposed to a bat in your cottage, contact the health unit’s Health Connection phone line (details below). Only testing can tell if a bat has rabies.

Mice and Hantavirus: Although this disease has not been in the headlines lately, the virus is still in the wild in the deer mouse population. Mouse droppings should be wetted down first before mopping them up, to prevent dust from being inhaled. Mouse nests should be sprayed with a bleach solution before cleaning up. And wear a mask and gloves when cleaning.

Around the yard: Don’t bother bringing pesticides or herbicides to the cottage yard or garden. They only mean more work and the chemicals could leach into the lake. Try green techniques for encouraging native flowers and grasses to grow around the cottage.

West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes. Make sure they can’t breed around the cottage by emptying any containers holding stale water. Drill holes in spare tires, and don’t let water sit stale in pool covers, eaves troughs, rain barrels or lawn ornaments where mosquitoes could lay eggs.

The health unit website, at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org, has more detailed information on all these issues. Look under the Health Topics menu. You can also phone Your Health Connection at 721-7520, or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.