The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites after bugs in three traps in London tested positive for the West Nile virus.
The traps were located in east London, northeast London, and the Pond Mills area.
“Finding mosquitoes that are carrying West Nile virus isn’t surprising, in fact this is about the time we expect to start finding adult mosquitoes that test positive; the key point is that we not get complacent,” says Steve Tomé, vector-borne disease field technician with the health unit. “While we can trap and test adult mosquitoes and treat places vector mosquito larvae are found, we rely on local residents to help us reduce and repel these insects. They are our partners in mounting a defence against mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus and preventing people from becoming ill.”
The health unit recommends people spending time outdoors where mosquitoes are present use insect repellant that contains DEET and wear light-coloured, long sleeved shirts and pants.
The public can also help reduce the mosquito population by emptying water that accumulates in rain gutters, flower pots, children’s toys, and other containers. It's also recommended that water in birdbaths be changed regularly and that ornamental ponds have a fountain or pump.
According to the health unit, roughly 80% of people who become infected with the West Nile virus do not get sick. Those that do tend to experience mild, flu-like symptoms. Less than 1% of those who are infected become seriously ill.