The Middlesex-London Health Unit is urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites after detecting West Nile Virus in three mosquito traps in Middlesex County and the City of London. These are the first positive cases of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes for 2024. Since early May, the Health Unit’s Vector-Borne Disease Team has been conducting weekly monitoring of mosquitoes at 23 sites, with a 17-week sampling study running through September. Additionally, 511 treatments will be carried out at 185 surface water locations on public property in London and Middlesex County.
The Vector-Borne Disease Team is currently on the second round of catch basin treatment where approximately 38,000 catch basins are treated per round. The Health Unit will continue its surveillance and control efforts throughout the region and is reminding people in all areas of London and Middlesex County that West Nile Virus is still present in our community.
The majority of people (80%) who become infected with West Nile Virus do not get sick. Those who do become ill, usually experience mild flu-like symptoms; fewer than 1% of people infected with the virus get seriously ill.
Follow the tips below to protect yourself and your family from West Nile Virus:
• Wear light-coloured clothing with long-sleeves, pants and socks in areas where mosquitoes are
present, especially at dusk and dawn when they are most active.
• Follow directions for use, when using an insect repellent with DEET, especially for children.
• Regularly emptying standing water from garbage cans, wheelbarrows, toys, flowerpots and
saucers, pool covers, tires, and other items around your home and yard.
• Cleaning and changing water in bird baths every other day.
• Ensure proper closing and opening of swimming pools.
• Covering openings in rain barrels.
To learn more about how to protect yourself and the Health Unit’s surveillance and control efforts, visit:
www.healthunit.com/west-nile-virus
Written by: MLHU/C. Soares