A person in the London-area has contracted West Nile Virus.
The Middlesex London Health Unit confirmed its first locally-acquired human case of the year on Friday.
"Five mosquito traps have already been identified as West Nile Virus-positive in Middlesex-London, said Dr. Joanne Kearon, the region's associate medical officer of health. "This human case emphasizes the need for everyone in our community to take precautions. We must continue to protect ourselves and our families against mosquito bites, including wearing light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and pants, and using mosquito repellents with DEET."
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitos.
In an ongoing effort to curb West Nile, members of the health unit's vector-borne disease team have administered three rounds of treatment on approximately 113,780 catch basins and 695 surface water treatments at approximately 195 sites on public property. These water filled areas are typical breeding grounds for mosquitos.
According to the health unit, 80 per cent of people who become infected with the virus do not get sick and those who do usually experience mild flu-like symptoms. Fewer than 1 per cent of people who contract West Nile Virus become seriously ill.
The London-area case is one of five probable and confirmed human cases in the province to date, according to Public Health Ontario.
Steps residents can take to protect against West Nile include cleaning and changing bird bath water every other day, regularly emptying standing water on their property, properly covering swimming pools, and covering openings to rain barrels.
