Mosquitoes collected from traps in Stratford and southern Huron County have examined optimistic for West Nile virus (WNV).
In keeping with Huron Perth Public Well being (HPPH), the WNV-positive mosquitoes could possibly be current anyplace in Huron and Perth.
An American crow, identified carriers of WNV, additionally examined optimistic for WNV within the North Huron space.
Officers with HPPH stated it isn’t shock to see this in August.
“People are at greatest risk of contracting West Nile virus in late summer, so it is important to protect yourself while outdoors when mosquitoes are most active,” stated Senior Public Well being Inspector Dale Lyttle.
Public well being stated it has been trapping and testing mosquitoes throughout Huron Perth since June 17, as a part of its annual surveillance.
Larvicide has been utilized to roadside catch basins in Stratford, St. Marys, Listowel and Mitchell this summer time to assist scale back mosquito breeding and decrease the chance of potential WNV transmission.
WNV in people
There have been three confirmed WNV human instances reported in Ontario this 12 months.
Not everybody bitten by an contaminated mosquito will present signs of WNV.
Signs of WNV embrace fever, headache, physique ache, vomiting and rashes.
“About one in 150 people infected will get seriously ill, with symptoms like high fever, muscle weakness, vision loss and coma,” HPPH stated, including that WNV can result in demise.
Those that are above 50-years-old or have a weakened immune system are most in danger.
Signs normally develop between two and 15 days after being bitten.
Defending your self
HPPH made an inventory of issues you are able to do to guard your self in opposition to WNV:
Utilizing an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin when open air. You’ll want to observe the producer’s instructions.
Overlaying up with light-colored garments, lengthy sleeves and pants when open air or in areas the place mosquito exercise is excessive.
Taking further safety measures between nightfall and daybreak when mosquitoes are most energetic.
Eradicating standing water across the house at the very least as soon as every week to cut back mosquito breeding grounds.
