Huron Perth Public Health is advising the public to protect themselves from mosquitos following recent positive cases of West Nile Virus.
A release from HPPH shares that mosquitoes collected from traps in Stratford and southern Huron County tested positive for West Nile. These are the first positive cases in mosquitos of the season for Huron and Perth counties.
This indicates that West Nile could be present in mosquitos anywhere across the Huron and Perth area.
HPPH was also notified of an American crow testing positive for WNV in the North Huron area. Crows are a known carrier of the virus.
“It’s not surprising to see positive mosquito pools in the month of August,” said Dale Lyttle, Senior Public Health Inspector. “People are at greatest risk of contracting West Nile virus in late summer, so it is important to protect yourself while outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.”
People can protect themselves from mosquito bites by:
-Using an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin when outdoors. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.
-Covering up with light-coloured clothes, long sleeves and pants when outdoors or in areas where mosquito activity is high.
-Taking extra protection measures between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
-Removing standing water around the home at least once a week to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
