Press Release - York Region West Nile virus program ends for 2007 season

NEWMARKET – The Regional Municipality of York Community and Health Services Department reports that the West Nile virus control program has ended for the season with low virus activity noted in 2007.

During the 2007 season, residents were asked to report dead crows and blue jays to help determine possible West Nile virus activity in York Region. Specimens were collected and submitted to the Canadian Co-operative Wildlife Health Centre in Guelph for testing for the virus.

Our thanks to York Region residents who reported dead birds through the Health Connection information line. As of October 31, 2007:

• 965 dead birds were collected

• 24 birds of concern were submitted for testing

• One bird tested positive for West Nile virus

• No mosquito pools (or batches) tested positive for the virus

If you find a dead bird, do not handle it with bare hands or dispose of it through the municipal garbage system. If you choose to handle a dead bird, wear rubber gloves, double bag the carcass and bury under two feet of soil using a spade or shovel.

All West Nile virus surveillance activities, including the trapping and testing of mosquitoes, have also concluded.

Like in humans, West Nile virus is transmitted to the bird population by infected mosquitoe bites. Crows, blue jays and other species are known to be most susceptible to the disease and enabled the West Nile virus team to track the travel of the virus through the Region.

This year's surveillance program demonstrated relatively low West Nile virus activity, with one bird and no mosquito pools (or batches) testing positive for the virus in York Region. No human cases of West Nile virus were reported. In 2006, there were three human cases, 10 positive birds and 10 positive mosquito pools that tested for the virus in York Region.

For more information on this or any other health-related questions, contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653.

Markham Citizens Asked to Make Their Opinions Count

Markham, ON...Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Town Council are seeking community input on proposed areas of strategic focus through an exciting onlinr process and public consultation campaign during a month-long virtual Town Hall meeting throughout November.



Come to the community and media launch to learn more and to try the innovative program, which uses high-tech software in a new pay to gather public opinion.

Wenesday, November 7, 2007
1-2 p.m

Great Hall - Markham Civic Centre

101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham

(northwest corner of Highway 7 and Warden Avenue)

Markham Man Charged In Drug Sweep

A Markham man, along with 12 other people, has been charged in connection with a $3-million drug investigation.The investigation, which involved Toronto Police and the RCMP, centred around a number of operations in Scarborough.Between Oct. 25 and 27, investigators busted 13 people after seven search warrants were used.Van Vu, 46, of Markham is charged with two counts of producing marijuana, three counts of possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, theft of electricity or gas and trafficking in marijuana.

With files from Yorkregion.com

- ER

Vertrans Ride Free Nov. 11

York Region will offer free YRT/Viva transit services to veterans and immediate families of deceased veterans on Remembrance Day. Complimentary Mobility Plus rides will also be provided for veterans who are registered Mobility Plus customers.Veterans can identify themselves to drivers and fare inspectors by showing any of the following items: uniforms, medals, berets and blazers. The immediate family of a deceased veteran may identify themselves with documents, including an identification card or service papers.For more information regarding YRT/Viva services, visit www.yrt.ca or call 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978).

With files from Yorkregion.com

- ER

Sports Report

York Region Athletics

Sr. Girls' Basketball — St. Theresa of Lisieux 49 (Noelle Zletni, 17), St. Elizabeth 31 (Ashley Tahsin, 17); Denison 51 (Kristy Lee, 22), Aurora 46 (Beth Hagarty, 14); Markham 52 (Kathleen Hughes, 17), Richmond Green 24 (Jamie Joslin, 10); Sacred Heart 44 (Casey Brongh, 14), Sutton 25 (Kyla Van Gaalen, 11);

Jr. Girls' Basketball — St. Augustine 64 (Julia Almeida, 16), Brother Andre 40 (Diana Souche 11 pts)


Tonight

NHL: Toronto at Ottawa; 7:30pm

NBA: Toronto at Milwaukee; 8:00pm


With files from thestar.com

- ER

Sports Report

NBA: Boston 98 Toronto 95

OHL: Kitchener 5 Brampton 2; Oshawa 9 Kingston 5; Plymouth 5 Mississauga 2

OPJHL: Ajax 4 Markham 1

York Region Athletics

Sr. Boys' Football — King City 50, Williams 22;

Jr. Boys' Football — Huron Hts 6 (Justin Murphy, TD), Markham 0

With files from thestar.com

- ER

Station Update

There will be a major studio and website renovation over the next few days. Engineers will be coming in to ensure that our equipment is in top working condition. We are also preparing a new website that will be launched very shortly.

Therefore, from October 31 - November 5, CHEV's website and live stream will be periodically unavailable. CHEV Radio apologizes for the inconvenience.

If you have any questions, please contact us by phone (905-294-0033) or by e-mail (chevradio@gmail.com).

Please visit our podcasting website for great CHEV content.