For a third time this month, mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Lambton County.
Lambton Public Health (LPH) said mosquitoes collected from a trap on Wednesday, August 23 in Corunna tested positive for the virus.
Two previous instances occurred on August 16 after infected mosquitoes were collected from traps in Sarnia and Plympton-Wyoming.
However, no positive West Nile Virus human cases have been confirmed in the county.
So far this year, there have been three reported human cases of West Nile Virus across the province, according to Public Health Ontario. The agency also reported 177 positive mosquito pools across Ontario this year.
LPH said most people infected with West Nile Virus do not get sick. However, those who become ill usually experience mild flu-like symptoms, and fewer than one per cent of infected people become seriously ill.
The health unit has released a list of protective measures to reduce one's risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. They include:
- Avoid areas with high mosquito populations
- Take extra precautions from dusk to dawn when mosquito activity is high
- Wear protective, light-coloured clothing
- Use repellents containing DEET or Icaridin
Residents are also encouraged to eliminate mosquito breeding areas by draining standing or stagnant water on their property, removing old tires or wheelbarrows, changing the water in bird baths (at least weekly), and keeping eaves clear to avoid trapped water.
More information can be found through the health unit's website or by calling the West Nile Virus information line at 519-383-3824, toll-free at 1-800-667-1839 (extension 3824).
