The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reporting the first locally-acquired human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) for 2024. Four mosquito traps in Middlesex-London have already tested positive for West Nile Virus this year. According to Public Health Ontario, there have been four human cases of WNV in Ontario in 2024 to date, as well as 67 WNV-positive mosquito pools.

“Despite prevention efforts, we’re seeing a lot of mosquitoes and larvae due to record rain falls this summer. This human case emphasizes the need for everyone in our community to take precautions,” says Dr. Joanne Kearon, Acting Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “We must continue to protect ourselves by taking personal measures against mosquito bites.”

To date, the Vector-Borne Disease Team has administered two rounds of treatment on approximately 70,000 catch basins. The team has also completed 668 surface water treatments at approximately 185 sites on public property. The Health Unit will continue its surveillance and control efforts throughout the region.

Most people (80%) who become infected with West Nile Virus do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild flu-like symptoms; fewer than 1% of people infected with the virus get seriously ill.

Tips for protecting yourself and your family from West Nile Virus include:

• Wearing light-coloured clothing with long-sleeves, pants and socks in areas where mosquitoes are present, especially at dusk and dawn when they are most active.
• Using insect repellent with DEET (always follow directions for use, especially for children).
• Avoiding the outdoors at dawn and dusk.
• Removing standing water outside your home.
• Fixing tears in window and door screens.

To learn more about personal protection and the Health Unit’s surveillance and control efforts please visit: www.healthunit.com/west-nile-virus.