West Nile Virus detected in Chatham-Kent

Public health says mosquitoes collected on July 30 in Ridgetown and southeast Chatham have tested positive for the virus.

Chatham Kent Public Health has received laboratory confirmation that mosquitoes collected from a trap in Ridgetown and a tape in southeast Chatham have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

According to the health unit, the samples collected on July 30 are the first positive pools identified in the municipality 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, the health unit said 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.

How to protect yourself

• Wearing light-coloured clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks
• Using insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin (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