West Nile virus is in Perth County. Tests on mosquitoes taken from a trap in the southern part of Mitchell have come back positive for the virus.
This is the first positive mosquito finding of the season in Perth County.
The Health Unit has been trapping and testing mosquitoes since June and has applied one round of larvicide in roadside catch basins in Stratford, St. Marys, Listowel and Mitchell to help reduce mosquito breeding.
A second round of larviciding is scheduled for August.
There have been no probable or confirmed human cases of West Nile virus reported this year in Ontario.
"West Nile virus activity has been low so far across Ontario, but it’s not surprising to see activity begin to increase since the weather has been so hot and humid," says Stephanie Carlisle, Public Health Inspector.
People can protect themselves from mosquito bites by: - Using insect repellent when outdoors; a repellent with DEET or Icaridin offers the most effective protection.
- Covering up with light-colored clothes, long sleeves and pants when outdoors or while in areas where mosquito activity is high.
- Taking extra protection measures at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Removing standing water around the home or farm at least once a week to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.