Local health officials are reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquitos after a human case of West Nile virus was reported in the area.
The infected person hasn't shown any symptoms of the virus, according to the Middlesex London Health Unit, but officials say the diagnosis and the discovery of more West Nile virus-positive mosquitos is "significant."
“By late August, we tend to think of summer as being over, however, the local case of West Nile Virus and the infected mosquitoes remind us of the need to remain vigilant for one of summer’s more annoying insects,” Dr. Alex Summers, the associate medical officer of health at the Middlesex-London Health Unit, said in a news release issued Thursday. “We still need to think about protecting ourselves and our family members from mosquito bites. That means wearing long-sleeved, light-coloured shirts and long pants, using mosquito repellants that contain DEET and draining standing water from wherever it collects, including flower pots, planters, and children’s toys.”
West Nile virus-positive mosquitos have been found in traps in London and in central and western Middlesex County. The health unit says this suggests mosquito populations capable of spreading West Nile virus are widespread.
According to the health unit, about 80 per cent of people who become infected won't show symptoms. While 20 per cent do become ill, they usually experience mild flu-like symptoms. Fewer than one per cent become seriously ill and may develop encephalitis or meningitis.
