For the first time this season, mosquitoes in Chatham-Kent have tested positive for West Nile virus.
Chatham-Kent Public Health said mosquitoes collected from a trap in South West Chatham on July 11 have tested positive for the virus.
Local residents are encouraged to protect themselves by wearing light-coloured clothing, using insect repellent containing DEET, ensuring all door and window screens are tight and free of holes, and eliminating sources of standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.
Symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches and fatigue. In rare cases, those infected may experience more severe symptoms such as stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and lack of coordination or paralysis.
Older individuals and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.
