West Nile has reared its ugly head in Chatham-Kent for the first time this summer.
Chatham-Kent Public Health has received laboratory confirmation that mosquitoes collected August 25th, 2026, from a trap in Dresden have tested positive for the virus.
While no human cases have been reported, Public Health staff say this is the first positive pool identified in Chatham-Kent this season.
West Nile Virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Many people infected with the virus experience no symptoms. Some may experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and fatigue. In rare cases, infected individuals may experience more severe illness, including stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and paralysis. Anyone with severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Older individuals and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.
West Nile Virus is a risk anytime mosquitoes bite. Protect yourself and your family by:
- Wearing light-coloured clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks
- Using insect repellent containing DEET (follow the label directions)
- Staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active (dusk to dawn)
- Ensuring that all door and window screens are tight and free of holes
- Eliminating sources of standing water on your property to prevent mosquito breeding
To monitor weekly data from our West Nile Virus surveillance program, please visit https://ckphu.com/ticks-mosquitoes/.
