The local health unit has encountered a large number of mosquito pools that have tested positive for the West Nile virus.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit said Monday that six such pools were found in the area this week, the most since West Nile monitoring began in 2018.
The health unit says that the number of these pools is a clear indication that West Nile virus is active in Windsor-Essex. However, the health unit says there are no active cases of West Nile virus that have been reported.
This is still a good opportunity for residents to make sure they are protecting themselves from mosquito bites. Mosquitoes carrying West Nile spread serious infections. In addition to eliminating standing water which can be choice breeding grounds for mosquitoes, the health unit also recommends using insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing, making sure door and window screens are properly installed and free of holes, limiting time spent outdoors at dusk and dawn, and wearing long pants, a hat and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors.
The health unit will continue its West Nile virus monitoring program through the remainder of the summer, along with the investigation of complaints regarding standing water.
The official website of the health unit has complete information on West Nile virus.