Lambton Public Health [LPH] is reporting its first instance of mosquitoes testing positive for the West Nile Virus in Lambton County this year.
The health unit said its surveillance program collected them from a trap in Corunna on August 14.
"No positive human cases of West Nile have been confirmed to date in the county," LPH said in a news release.
According to Public Health Ontario, there have been three reported human cases of West Nile
Virus, and 94 positive mosquito pools across the province thus far in 2024.
West Nile Virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
While most people infected don't get sick, those who do usually experience mild flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, skin rash, or muscle aches.
Fewer than one per cent of people infected with the virus become seriously ill.
LPH encourages the following steps to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes:
• 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. Follow label instructions carefully.
These steps are also encouraged to reduce mosquito breeding areas:
• Drain areas of standing or stagnant water on your property.
• Remove old tires, turn over pails, toys, and wheelbarrows.
• Change water in bird baths (at least weekly).
• Keep eaves clear to avoid trapped water.
LPH started summer catch basin larviciding in June to control mosquito larvae and reduce the incidence of West Nile Virus in Lambton County.
