(photo submitted by Grey Bruce Health Unit)(photo submitted by Grey Bruce Health Unit)
Windsor

Mosquitoes Found In Windsor-Essex Not Carrying Zika Or West Nile

Two adult mosquitoes capable of carrying the Zika virus and the West Nile virus were found in Windsor-Essex last month.

However, they both tested negative for either virus.

After the discovery of the mosquito species in the area in 2016, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has been conducting enhanced mosquito surveillance to monitor their presence.

In 2017, five of the mosquitoes and 42 larvae were identified in enhanced mosquito traps but they all also tested negative for Zika virus and West Nile virus.

“Keeping our community informed about infectious diseases and the local mosquito surveillance programs is a key role of public health. The discovery of the Asian tiger mosquitoes again this year is an important reminder to everyone that we should continue to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites,” said Dr. Ahmed, the acting medical officer of health, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. "The greatest risk to contracting Zika virus continues to be centred on those who have travelled to Zika-risk areas [such as South America, the Caribbean and Florida] or who are or have been in sexual contact with these travellers."

Unlike many Ontario mosquitoes, these mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters.

The health unit says it's important to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.

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