Home 99.1 News West Nile Surfaces in Tilbury, Northwest Chatham

West Nile Surfaces in Tilbury, Northwest Chatham

Image by FRANCO PATRIZIA from Pixabay

The threat of West Nile Virus continues to spread across Chatham-Kent.

Officials with CK Public Health have received laboratory confirmation that mosquitoes collected from traps in Tilbury and northwest Chatham on August 19th have tested positive for the virus.

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.

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.

For more information on the West Nile virus from CK Public Health, click here.