The Middlesex London Health Unit is sending out a reminder to protect yourself from mosquitos after tests revealed West Nile virus positive mosquitos in a trap.
According to the health unit, the trap was in the area of Springbank Dr. and Wharncliffe Rd. It is the first mosquito trap in the city found to be containing mosquitos that have tested positive for West Nile virus this summer.
“While we continue our mosquito surveillance and control efforts in the region, we want to remind people across London and Middlesex County that they need to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites,” says Jeremy Hogeveen, Vector-Borne Disease Coordinator with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “You can prevent mosquito bites by covering exposed skin or using repellents that contain DEET or Icaridin. Removing standing water from your property is also a great way to reduce the number of places mosquitoes can breed.”
The health unit recommends making sure you empty rain gutters, flower pots, children's toys and other areas where water can collect. It also says bird baths should have their water changed frequently. Ornamental ponds should also have a fountain or pump to aerate the water. To protect yourself from mosquito bites, the health unit suggests avoiding the outdoors near dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. If you are going to be outside during these times, it recommends wearing light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and pants as well as using an insect repellant that contains DEET or Icaridin.
"The majority of people (80%) who become infected with West Nile virus do not get sick," the health unit said in a statement issued Tuesday. "Those who do become ill usually experience mild flu-like symptoms, while less than 1% of people infected with the virus get seriously ill."
The health unit says its Vector-Borne Disease Team has been monitoring mosquito traps at 250 standing water sites in the county since the beginning of May. When it finds mosquitoes capable of carrying West Nile virus, it applies larvacide to the standing water to control insect larvae.