Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is reminding people to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Mosquitoes in Stratford and southern Huron County have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), marking the first positive results for the season in these areas. This suggests that WNV-positive mosquitoes might be found anywhere in Huron and Perth counties. An American Crow in North Huron also tested positive for WNV, as crows are known to carry the virus.
Since June 17, HPPH has been trapping and testing mosquitoes across Huron and Perth. To reduce mosquito breeding and lower the risk of WNV, larvicide has been applied to roadside catch basins in Stratford, St. Marys, Listowel, and Mitchell this summer.
In Ontario, there have been three confirmed cases of WNV in humans in 2024. Not everyone bitten by an infected mosquito will show symptoms. For those who do, symptoms may include mild illness like fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and rash. About one in 150 people may experience severe symptoms, such as high fever, muscle weakness, vision loss, and coma, which can be fatal.
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 15 days after a mosquito bite. People over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
You can protect yourself from mosquito bites by:
Using insect repellent with DEET or Icaridin. Follow the instructions on the label.
Wearing light-colored, long sleeves, and pants when outdoors or in areas with many mosquitoes.
Taking extra precautions from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Removing standing water around your home weekly to reduce mosquito breeding areas.
Written by: K. Milhomens
