West Nile continues to spread through the mosquito population in Chatham-Kent.
The virus was most recently discovered in a trap in southwest Chatham on August 29th – the sixth confirmed case in mosquitoes in Chatham-Kent this summer.
Officials now say, however, this will be the final public report of positive mosquito pools for the remainder of the season since the presence of West Nile in the community has been well established.
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 lack of co-ordination or 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.
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
So far, no human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Chatham-Kent this summer.