Mosquitoes in Forest test positive for West Nile virus

Mosquitoes collected from a trap in Forest Aug. 30 tested positive for West Nile virus.

It’s the fourth time in Sarnia-Lambton this year mosquitoes tested positive for the virus. Others were Aug. 23 in Corunna, and Aug. 16, in Wyoming and Sarnia.

There are no cases of West Nile in humans confirmed in Lambton County, the health unit said Tuesday, noting Public Health Ontario reported 222 positive mosquito pools and five human cases of West Nile virus in the province.

West Nile virus is spread to humans through infected mosquito and most infected people do not get sick.

Those who do get sick usually experience mild flu-like symptoms like fever, headache, skin rash or muscle aches, the health unit said.

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

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.

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