Local mosquitos have tested positive for West Nile.
Lambton Public Health have confirmed that mosquitoes collected from a trap in Forest on September 7th tested positive for West Nile virus.
This is significant as it’s the first positive case in Lambton County this year, but thankfully no human cases have been reported.
LPH said in a statement that mosquito risk is starting to lessen with the fall season upon us, but the risk remains in place until the first hard frost of the year occurs.
Not everyone who gets West Nile will get sick…but those who do usually experience mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, skin rash, or muscle aches.
Less than one percent of people become seriously ill.
To reduce your risk:
• Avoid areas with high mosquito populations.
• Take extra precautions from dusk to dawn when mosquito activity is high.
• Wear protective, light-coloured clothing.
• Use repellants containing DEET or Icaridin. Follow label instructions carefully. 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.
Written by Rob Ross
