Perth County – West Nile virus is in Perth County! Tests on mosquitoes taken from a trap located in Listowel have come back positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first positive mosquito finding of the season in Perth County. As of July 13, there were four other WNV-positive mosquito pools found in Ontario. “The weather conditions this spring and early summer have been ideal for mosquitoes to breed and the virus to multiply,†explains Dale Lyttle, Senior Public Health Inspector.
Mosquito Control Activities
As part of the Perth District Health Unit’s Vector-borne Disease Program, mosquito control activities are taking place across Perth County:
roadside catch basins have been treated for mosquito larvae in Stratford,
St. Marys, Listowel and Mitchell (treatment completed week of July 8; next treatment scheduled for first part of August)
mosquitoes will be trapped and tested for WNV across Perth County until the beginning of September
public awareness and education.
Human Cases of WNV
In 2012, the Health Unit had a small number of confirmed cases of West Nile virus in Perth County residents. Before that, there had not been a human case of the virus in Perth County since 2006. This was consistent with an increase of West Nile virus noted across much of Ontario in 2012.
Approximately four out of five people who are bitten by an infected mosquito do not show any symptoms. While most people who become infected will experience no symptoms or have very mild illness, for some the symptoms will be pronounced. For a very rare few, the virus causes serious neurological illness such as encephalitis. Everyone who is active and outside during the summer months, such as gardening, golfing, walking or camping, is at risk. People older than 50 are most at risk for severe WNV infection as are those with weakened immune systems.
Protect from Mosquitoes
People can protect themselves from mosquito bites by:
Using insect repellent when outdoors; a repellent with DEET offers the most effective protection.
Covering up with light-colored clothes, long sleeves and pants when outdoors or while in areas where mosquito activity is high• Taking extra protection measures at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Removing standing water around the home at least once a week to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
