Photo: Southwestern Public Health
The first positive test for West Nile Virus in the Southwestern Public Health region this year has been found in a mosquito trap in Aylmer.
Traps are set up across Elgin and Oxford counties and the City of St. Thomas to monitor and test for the presence of West Nile virus.
Most people who become infected with West Nile virus do not get sick and those who do usually experience mild flu-like symptoms.
Fewer than one per cent of people infected with the virus get seriously ill.
To be proactive, the health unit recommends removing standing water around your property to reduce mosquito breeding environments.
Additional ways to protect yourself and your family include using DEET-based repellents to prevent mosquito bites and following directions for use; wearing light-coloured clothing with long sleeves, pants, and socks in areas where mosquitos are present; changing water in bird baths every other day; keeping pool pumps circulating; and installing screens to cover the openings of rain barrels.
Written by: Ian McCallum
