Mosquitoes from a trap located in Forest have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).
Lambton Public Health said the insects were collected on August 30. It marks the fourth instance of mosquitoes testing positive for the virus in Lambton County this year. No positive human cases have been confirmed to date in the county.
Across Ontario, there have been five reported human cases of WNV as well as 222 positive mosquito pools in 2023.
The health unit said the virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with WNV do not get sick, and those who do become ill usually experience mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, skin rash, or muscle aches. Fewer than one percent of people infected with the virus become seriously ill.
Lambton Public Health said residents can reduce their risk of being bitten by mosquitoes by avoiding areas with high mosquito populations, taking extra precautions from dusk to dawn when mosquito activity is high, wearing protective, light-coloured clothing, and by using repellants containing DEET or Icaridin.
To reduce mosquito breeding areas, residents can drain areas of standing or stagnant water on their property, remove old tires and turn over pails, toys, and wheelbarrows, change water in bird baths weekly, and keep eaves clear to avoid trapped water.
For more information click here.
