While everyone remains focused on COVID-19, Southwestern Public Health officials are reminding the public about the continued threat of the West Nile Virus.
The health unit, which oversees Elgin and Oxford counties, said on Monday that a mosquito found in a trap in the town of Tavistock tested positive for the virus. It is the region's first positive test for West Nile this year.
"We have several mosquito traps set up across Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas to monitor and test for the presence of West Nile Virus in our region,” said Amy Pavletic, program manager of environmental health at Southwestern Public Health.
In order to lower the mosquito population, people are advised to remove standing water on their property. This helps to eliminate places were the insect can breed.
To protect against West Nile, health officials also recommend using DEET-based bug repellants, wearing light coloured clothing with long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, repairing holes in screens, and keeping pool pumps circulating.
While roughly 80 per cent of those who contract West Nile do not get sick, those who do experience flu-like symptoms. The virus can lead to serious illness in less than 1 per cent of those infected.
