West Nile Virus Confirmed in Local Mosquitoes: What You Need To Know

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is advising the public that mosquitoes in the City of Peterborough have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The mosquitoes were trapped from July 17th to 19th.

This is the first positive mosquito pool found in Peterborough this year. During the summer months and early fall, PPH sets five traps weekly; three traps are in fixed locations and two others rotate throughout the Peterborough City and County.

“Now that we’ve identified mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in our area, it’s especially important that residents take care to prevent mosquito bites,” says Wanda Tonus, Public Health Inspector. “This is a good reminder for residents to eliminate any standing water in their yards and to take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites.”
 

Tonus notes that the majority of WNV cases do not show symptoms. About 20% of infected people will experience mild illness with such symptoms as fever, headache, and body aches—occasionally with a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes that last several days.

Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting or eye pain. Symptoms usually develop 2 to 14 days after receiving a bite from an infected mosquito. Less than 1% of infected people will develop neurological symptoms.
Although the risk of becoming infected is low, prevention against bites is the best protection.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELVES FROM BITES

-> Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn.

-> Remember to wear: a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and long pants (tucked into your socks for extra protection) 

-> Clean up: once a week, get rid of standing water around your home in places such as bird baths, eavestroughs, wheelbarrows and flower pots, etc.

-> Keep bushes and shrubs clear of overgrowth and debris (adult mosquitoes like to rest in dense
shrubbery)

-> Turn your compost pile often

-> Use insect repellent containing DEET. (DEET is a powerful chemical. Read the label carefully and apply as directed You can also ask your pharmacist for help when choosing a DEET product.)

For more info, visit peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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