The Middlesex-London Health Unit is currently testing for a probable human case of West Nile virus.
The health unit says further tests are required before the case can be confirmed as West Nile virus. If confirmed, it would be the first human case of West Nile virus in London-Middlesex for 2015.
So far this summer, the health unit has reported four dead birds and mosquitoes from a trap in London have tested positive for the disease. Also, two additional mosquito traps in Glencoe and southeast London contained mosquitoes that were carrying West Nile virus.
“This probable human case, combined with the mosquito traps and birds that have tested positive, is a great reason for people to protect themselves and their families against mosquitoes this long weekend,” says Tristan Squire-Smith, manager of the Infectious Disease Control Team with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “It isn’t surprising that we’ve received a report like this as we’ve known for several weeks that West Nile virus is present in London and Middlesex County.”
Residents can protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing loose fitting, light-coloured clothing and by using an insect repellent that contains DEET. Members of the public can also help control mosquito populations by emptying any pools of standing water.