Mosquitos collected from a trap in Dresden have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
This is the second positive mosquito trap in the region this season. CK Public Health received the laboratory confirmation from a trap collected on August 31 on Tuesday.
"West Nile Virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito," said CK Public Health. "Most people infected with the virus experience no symptoms or have minor symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and fatigue."
The health unit says infected individuals could experience more severe illness including symptoms of a stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and lack of coordination or paralysis in rare cases.
“Anyone with severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Older individuals and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness,” said CK Public Health.
The health unit has listed the following ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes:
- Wearing light-coloured clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks
- Using insect repellent containing DEET (follow the label directions)
- Staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active (dusk to dawn)
- Ensuring that all door and window screens are tight and free of holes
- Eliminating sources of standing water on your property to prevent mosquito breeding