London, ON – Late this afternoon, the Middlesex-London Health Unit received a report from Public Health Ontario’s Toronto Laboratory of a probable human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection. The results of further tests are pending before the case can be confirmed as West Nile Virus. If confirmed, this would be the first local human case of West Nile Virus in 2015.
So far this summer, the Health Unit has reported that four dead birds and mosquitoes from a trap in London have tested positive for the disease. Also, the Health Unit was advised today that two additional mosquito traps, one in Glencoe and the other in southeast London, contained mosquitoes that were carrying West Nile Virus.
“This probable human case, combined with the mosquito traps and birds that have tested positive, is a great reason for people to protect themselves and their families against mosquitoes this long weekend,” says Tristan Squire-Smith, Manager of the Infectious Disease Control Team with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “It isn’t surprising that we’ve received a report like this as we’ve known for several weeks that West Nile Virus is present in London and Middlesex County.”
Residents can protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites by wearing loose fitting, light-coloured long-sleeved tops and pants, and by using an insect repellant which contains DEET. Members of the public can also help control mosquito populations by emptying standing water from the places it accumulates on their property, including eaves troughs, flower pots, children’s toys and old tires. It is also important to change water in birdbaths every other day and to add a fountain or pump to ornamental ponds. The Health Unit also recommends people avoid being outside around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes tend to be most active.
While it is no longer collecting dead birds, the Health Unit reminds anyone who finds a dead crow or blue jay to report it by calling 519-663-5317, ext. 2300 or by submitting a report online at www.healthunit.com/report-a-dead-bird.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570
Spokesperson:
Tristan Squire-Smith, Infectious Disease Control Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit