A report by Public Health Ontario has confirmed that the first bird to test positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Ontario this year was located in the Southwestern Public Health region.
“The identification of a bird positive for West Nile Virus serves as our annual reminder to protect ourselves from mosquitoes,” noted Amy Pavletic, Manager of Environmental Health.
Tips to help protect yourself from mosquito bites include using insect repellent with DEET when you are outdoors, covering up exposed skin, and cleaning up any mosquito breeding sites around the home such as standing water, regularly.
While many individuals who are bitten by an infected mosquito show no symptoms, some may experience mild illness including headache, body ache, fever, nausea, vomiting and rash.
Written by: K. Freeman
