Health officials have confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in Chatham-Kent.
Chatham-Kent Public Health said it now has laboratory confirmation that mosquitoes collected from a trap in Wheatley on July 3 have tested positive for the virus.
This is the first positive pool identified this season in the municipality.
West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. While many may experience no symptoms, some people infected with the virus 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.
Older individuals and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.
The health unit encourages everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellent containing DEET, as well as wearing light-coloured clothing, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
All local residents are also asked to eliminate sources of standing water on their property to prevent mosquito breeding.
To monitor weekly surveillance data on West Nile virus from CK Public Health, click here.
