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The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has reported its first local case of West Nile Virus this year.
“Despite prevention efforts, we’re seeing a lot of mosquitoes and larvae due to record rain falls this summer. This human case emphasizes the need for everyone in our community to take precautions,” says, Acting Medical Officer of Health with the MiddlesexLondon Health Unit, Dr. Joanne Kearon in a media release. “We must continue to protect ourselves by taking personal measures against mosquito bites.”
There have been six West Nile Virus cases in Ontario thus far and four local mosquito traps have already tested positive for West Nile Virus this year, according to Public Health Ontario.
Fewer than one per cent of people infected with the virus get seriously ill, according to the MHLU media release. Most people who get West Nile Virus do not get sick and those who do become ill usually get mild flu-like symptoms.
To protect yourself and others from the West Nile Virus consider the following:
• Wearing light-coloured clothing with long-sleeves, pants, and socks in areas where
mosquitoes are present, especially at dusk and dawn when they are most active.
• Using insect repellent with DEET (always follow directions for use, especially for
children).
• Avoid the outdoors at dawn and dusk.
• Removing standing water outside your home.
• Fixing tears in window and door screens.
For more information, visit: https://www.healthunit.com/west-nile-virus
