More mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus

Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus for the third time this year in Sarnia-Lambton.

The latest were collected Aug. 23 from a trap located in Corunna, public health officials said. Others were collected Aug. 16 from traps in Wyoming and Sarnia.

Three reported human cases of West Nile Virus and 177 positive mosquito pools had been reported across the province as of Monday, Lambton public health officials said.

West Nile Virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito and most infected people do not get sick, public health officials said.

Those who do get sick usually experience mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, skin rash or muscle aches, officials said.

Fewer than one per cent of people infected with the virus become seriously ill, officials said.

People are encouraged to wear protective, light-coloured clothing, and repellents with DEET or Icaridin to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, and to eliminate standing water from their properties to reduce mosquito breeding areas, officials said.

More details are available via the West Nile information line at 519-383-3824, or at lambtonpublichealth.ca.