With the official start of summer, the Perth District Health Unit is reminding residents about the dangers of West Nile virus.
It's the disease that's transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.
Since 2012, there have been four lab-confirmed cases of the virus in Perth County. Across Ontario in 2016, six deaths were associated with West Nile virus.
Many people infected with WNV will have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. But people with weaker immune systems and people with chronic diseases are at greater risk for serious health effects.
The Health Unit conducts larviciding and mosquito trapping and testing to track the virus in Perth County.
The adult mosquito trapping program begins this week. Mosquito traps will be hung at specific spots across Perth County.
Catch basin larviciding, which helps control mosquito larvae, will take place in July and August in Stratford, Listowel, Mitchell and St. Marys.
"West Nile virus can be a serious illness, and even result in death, so it’s important that people in Perth County take precautions," says Public Health Inspector Stephanie Carlisle.
People can stop mosquitoes from breeding by getting rid of standing water around their home, farm and workplace at least once a week.
"Objects that collect water, like birdbaths, children’s toys, pool covers and tires are perfect mosquito breeding grounds," advises Carlisle.
The health unit also recommends that people use insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin on clothing and exposed skin. Icaridin is a similar product to DEET and was registered in 2012 by Health Canada as a safe and effective insect repellent.
Wear light-coloured clothes, long sleeves and pants when outdoors or while in areas where mosquito activity is high. Keep bushes and shrubs clear of overgrowth and debris, and keep compost piles turned on a regular basis.