A second pool of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Oxford County.
Oxford County Public Health announced on Monday that mosquitoes trapped in Norwich tested positive for the virus. The find comes just weeks after the county's first West Nile positive mosquitoes since 2012 were trapped in the same area.
While health officials have completed their weekly mosquito surveillance for the year, they are reminding the public to protect themselves from bites. Anyone venturing outdoors is urged to use insect repellent with DEET and wear light-coloured long sleeved shirts and pants to avoid being bitten.
Removing standing water from bird baths, discarded tires, flower pots, wheelbarrows, and barrels will cut down on the places where mosquitoes breed and grow.
Health officials say the risk of getting West Nile virus will decrease as temperatures fall. Roughly 80% of those who catch West Nile do not get sick. People who do feel the effects of the virus usually experience mild flu-like symptoms with less than 1% becoming seriously ill.
