Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has issued a call for heightened vigilance as mosquitoes collected from a trap in St. Marys have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).
The confirmation marks the first instance of WNV-positive mosquitoes in the current season for Huron and Perth counties.
Public health officials at HPPH are advising residents to take measures to safeguard themselves against mosquito bites, especially during the peak summer months when the risk of contracting West Nile Virus is at its highest.
Dale Lyttle, a public health inspector, emphasized the importance of protective measures during this period of elevated mosquito activity, stating, “In the late summer months, people are at greatest risk of contracting West Nile Virus, so it is important to protect yourself while outdoors, especially when mosquitoes are most active.”
As of now, Ontario has not reported any probable or confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus.
It’s important to note that not all individuals who are bitten by an infected mosquito will display symptoms of the virus. For those who do exhibit symptoms, the majority will experience mild illness, including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and a distinctive rash on the chest, stomach, or back. However, a small proportion – approximately one in 150 individuals – may become seriously ill, presenting symptoms such as high fever, muscle weakness, vision impairment, and even coma. In the most severe cases, West Nile Virus can prove fatal.
Huron Perth Public Health has outlined several steps that individuals can take to protect themselves from mosquito bites:
- Apply insect repellents containing DEET or Icaridin according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants while outdoors or in areas with heightened mosquito activity.
- Take extra precautions during dawn and dusk, the times when mosquitoes are most active.
- Regularly eliminate standing water around homes to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites.
For more information and updates, residents can visit the Huron Perth Public Health website or contact the health authority directly.
Written by: B. Shakyaver
