The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reminding people across London and Middlesex County to protect themselves and their families after it received a report yesterday of a local human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection. While it can’t be confirmed exactly where the individual was when they were bitten by the infected mosquito, they were in the local area during the time the infection would have developed. This human case is the first to be reported in the Middlesex-London area since September of 2015.

So far this summer, the Health Unit has reported that mosquitoes from six of its traps, all in the City of London, have tested positive for the disease. The Health Unit has not tested dead birds for West Nile Virus since 2015.

“Most people aren’t thinking about mosquitoes at this time of year, but to have a report of a human case of West Nile Virus is a reminder that we still need to be vigilant and protect ourselves from mosquito bites,” says Mary Lou Albanese, Manager of the Infectious Disease Control Team with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “We know West Nile Virus is present in our community, but generally people tend not to take the risk too seriously. The reality is that, although the chances are low, you can become very sick from a mosquito bite that is quite simple to prevent.”

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.

In addition to taking steps to reduce and repel mosquitoes, the Health Unit also advises that homeowners check the screens on windows and doors to make sure they are in good repair and free of tears or holes. It’s also a good idea, where possible, to seal up garden sheds and garages to prevent over-wintering mosquitoes from finding refuge during the fall and winter months. For more information about West Nile Virus, please visit 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

Spokesperson:

Mary Lou Albanese, Infectious Disease Control Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit