London, ON – Evidence is showing that West Nile Virus activity is becoming more widespread in our community, despite the cooler temperatures London and Middlesex County are experiencing. Since the first West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes of the summer, found in one trap in London’s Sifton Bog and the other in the south end of Strathroy, one more trap has tested positive in Dorchester.

“Finding positive traps in several areas is an indication that there is West Nile Virus activity in both London and Middlesex County,” says Jeremy Hogeveen, Vector-Borne Disease Coordinator at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “The good news is that you can protect yourself and your family by taking steps to reduce mosquito habitats by removing standing water where it gathers, and repelling mosquitoes by using an insect repellent that contains DEET.”

To protect yourself and your family against West Nile Virus:

• Wear light-coloured clothing with long-sleeves, as well as pants and socks, in areas where mosquitoes are present, especially at dusk and dawn when they are most active.
• Use an insect repellent that contains DEET, and follow directions for use, especially for children.
• Fix holes in screens, windows and doors.
• Empty standing water regularly from garbage cans, wheelbarrows, toys, flowerpots and saucers, pool covers, tires, and other items found outside homes and properties.
• Change water in bird baths every second day.
• Keep pool pumps circulating.
• Cover openings in rain barrels.

While the majority of people who become infected with West Nile Virus do not get sick (80%), those who do become ill usually experience mild flu-like symptoms. Fewer than 1% of people infected with the virus get seriously ill.

The Health Unit’s Vector-Borne Disease Team will continue to conduct weekly mosquito monitoring at some 250 standing water locations on public property until the end of September. Where mosquitoes capable of carrying West Nile Virus are identified, a larvicide is applied to control insect larvae. These larvicide applications are in addition to the treatment of some 35,000 roadside catch basins in London and Middlesex County, which recently completed its third and final round of treatments for 2014.

To report a dead crow or blue jay, please call the Health Unit at 519-663-5317, ext. 2300 or visit: https://www.healthunit.com/vector-borne-diseases-west-nile-virus.

Media Contact:
Alex Tyml, Online Communications Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 ext. 2560 or 226-236-1941 (cell)

Spokesperson:
Jeremy Hogeveen, Vector-Borne Disease Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit