West Nile Virus Activity on the Rise

Perth County – As we come to the end of a hot summer, West Nile virus (WNV) activity in mosquitoes is on the rise in Ontario. So far, 94 mosquito pools have tested positive for WNV across the province. A mosquito pool is a group of female mosquitoes that belong to the same species.

There have been three positive mosquito pools found in Perth County as of August 29, 2016. The Health Unit continues to trap adult mosquitoes throughout Perth County and test them for the virus until the middle of September.

In Stratford, St. Marys, Mitchell, and Listowel, roadside catch-basins have been treated to reduce the populations of the type of mosquitoes that can spread WNV.

So far in 2016, there has been one human case of WNV reported in Ontario, but no cases in Perth County. The risk of humans getting sick with WNV is highest this time of year.

Residents must still protect themselves, even as the weather cools. Mosquitoes are usually active until the first hard frost. The Health Unit is asking residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites by:

Removing standing water around the home at least once a week to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.

Using insect repellent when outdoors; a repellent with DEET or Icaridin offers the most effective protection.

Covering up with light-coloured 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.

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