While there’s still plenty of sun and fun to be had this summer, Londoners shouldn’t drop their guard against mosquitoes. The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reminding the community to protect itself against bites after receiving reports this week that mosquitoes found in three London traps were carrying West Nile Virus. The traps are located in east London, northeast London and in the Pond Mills area.
“Finding mosquitoes that are carrying West Nile Virus isn’t surprising, in fact this is about the time we expect to start finding adult mosquitoes that test positive; the key point is that we not get complacent,” says Steve Tomé, Vector-Borne Disease Field Technician, with the Health Unit. “While we can trap and test adult mosquitoes and treat places vector mosquito larvae are found, we rely on local residents to help us reduce and repel these insects. They are our partners in mounting a defence against mosquitoes that can carry West Nile Virus and preventing people from becoming ill.”
By using an insect repellant that contains DEET and taking steps to eliminate the places where mosquitoes can breed, London and Middlesex County residents can significantly reduce the risks associated with West Nile Virus. Simple ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding include emptying water that accumulates in rain gutters, flower pots, children’s toys and other containers; as well as changing the water in birdbaths regularly and adding a fountain or pump to ornamental ponds. When it comes to personal protection, in addition to using a repellant that contains DEET, people can protect themselves and their families by wearing light-coloured, long sleeved shirts and pants. The Health Unit also recommends avoiding spending time outdoors around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
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.
To date, the Health Unit’s Vector-Borne Disease team has completed its second of three rounds of 35,000 catch basin treatments, as well as 757 standing water treatments across London and Middlesex County, as part of its ongoing West Nile Virus prevention program. The team continues to monitor approximately 260 standing water sites on public property and has applied a biological larvicide where vector mosquito larvae have been found.
Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)
Spokesperson:
Steve Tomé, Vector-Borne Disease Field Technician, Middlesex-London Health Unit