London, ON – Analysis of mosquitoes found in a trap located in the Westminster Ponds area has found the insects were carrying West Nile Virus. The Middlesex-London Health Unit’s contractor, Québec-based Groupe de Gestion Environnement (GDG Environmental), advised Health Unit staff of the positive test today. Although the Health Unit has already reported the presence of West Nile Virus in two dead crows this summer, the mosquitoes from the trap near Wellington and Southdale Roads are the first to test positive for the disease.
The Health Unit also advised today that two additional dead crows, one from the Dundas and Hale Street area in east London, the other from the area of Oxford and Hyde Park have also tested positive for West Nile Virus.
“For several weeks we’ve known that West Nile Virus is present in London and Middlesex County, so these findings are an important reminder that although summer is winding down, we still need to take steps to protect ourselves from mosquito bites,” says Jeremy Hogeveen, Vector-Borne Disease Coordinator with the Health Unit. “That means removing standing water from areas like eavestroughs, flower pots and other objects around the yard, and taking steps to discourage bites like wearing light-coloured clothing and using a bug repellant that contains DEET.”
West Nile Virus can be spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Of those who become infected with West Nile Virus, the majority, or roughly four out of five, do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild flu-like symptoms, however fewer than 1% of individuals infected with the virus can become seriously ill and may develop encephalitis or meningitis.
The Health Unit’s Vector-Borne Disease Team has conducted weekly mosquito monitoring at some 250 standing water sites located on public property in London and Middlesex County since the beginning of May. Where mosquitoes capable of carrying West Nile Virus are
identified, a larvicide is applied to the water in an effort to control insect larvae. This is in addition to the treatment of 35,000 roadside catch basins in the city and county which have already received three treatments this summer.
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, extension 2300, or by submitting a report online at www.healthunit.com/vector-borne-diseases-west-nile-virus.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)
Spokesperson:
Jeremy Hogeveen, Vector-Borne Disease Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit