Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is reminding residents to take steps to avoid mosquito bites after mosquitoes in Listowel and Mitchell tested positive for West Nile Virus. These are the first confirmed cases in mosquitoes this season for Huron and Perth counties.
West Nile Virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While many people bitten by an infected mosquito will not develop symptoms, some may experience mild illness such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or a rash. In rare cases, about one in 150 infections, the illness can become severe and lead to serious complications or death. People over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Symptoms can appear two to 15 days after being bitten.
HPPH advises using insect repellent with DEET or Icaridin, wearing light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and pants, taking extra care at dawn and dusk, and removing standing water around the home weekly to reduce mosquito breeding.