A mosquito trap in Aylmer has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Southwestern Public Health, the health unit for Oxford and Elgin counties, confirmed the virus was present in the local trap on Tuesday. It is the first mosquito trap in the region to produce a positive test so far this year.
"We have mosquito traps set up across Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas to monitor and test for the presence of West Nile Virus in our region. West Nile Virus was detected as part of our routine testing,” said Dr. Ninh Tran, the region's medical officer of health.
The health unit added that 80 per cent of people who become infected with the virus do not get sick and those who do usually experience mild flu-like symptoms. Fewer than 1 per cent of people who contract West Nile Virus become seriously ill, according to the health unit.
Still, it is recommended to help prevent mosquito bites people venturing outdoors use DEET-based repellents and wear light coloured clothing with long sleeves, pants, and socks in areas where mosquitoes are present.
Other ways to reduce the risk of bites from the pesky inspect include the following:
Repair holes in screens, windows and doors.
Empty standing water regularly around your property to reduce mosquito breeding environments.
Change water in bird baths every other day
Keep pool pumps circulating
Install screens to cover the opening of rain barrels
