London, ON – Evidence is showing that West Nile Virus activity in London and Middlesex County is becoming more widespread. Since the first West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes of the summer, found in a London trap near Springbank Drive and Wharncliffe Road, were announced on July 24th, an additional 8 traps, including the season’s first in Middlesex County, have yielded mosquitoes that have tested positive for the virus.
The latest traps to test positive were located in the McKellar Street area of Glencoe; in East London, near Clarke Road and Trafalgar; in Northeast London near Glenora and Adelaide Street; in South London, near Wellington and Southdale Roads; and North London near Huron and Adelaide Streets.
“Finding positive traps in several distinct areas like this is an indication that there is West Nile Virus activity in both London and Middlesex County this summer,” 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.”
Because West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes were found near the Dearness Home, where residents can be more susceptible to the virus, Health Unit staff has been in contact with the Home’s management, has distributed brochures and is available to provide residents and staff with more information about personal protection.
The majority of people (80%) who become infected with West Nile Virus do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild flu-like symptoms; less than 1% of people infected with the virus get seriously ill.
The Health Unit’s Vector-Borne Disease Team has 24 adult mosquito traps throughout London and Middlesex County, which are checked weekly. In addition, the Team has conducted weekly larval mosquito monitoring at some 250 standing water locations on public property since the beginning of May. Where mosquito larvae capable of carrying West Nile Virus are identified, a larvicide is applied to control them. This is in addition to 35,000 roadside catch basins in London and Middlesex County, which have already received three treatments this summer.
To report a dead crow or blue jay, call the Health Unit at 519-663-5317, ext. 2300 or visit: http:www.healthunit.com/westnilevirus.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)
Spokespeople:
Jeremy Hogeveen, Vector-Borne Disease Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit