CK Public Health has received laboratory confirmation that mosquitoes collected earlier this week from a trap in North Chatham have tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is the first positive mosquito trap in Chatham-Kent this season.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms or have minor flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and fatigue. In rare cases, infected individuals may experience more severe illness, including stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and lack of co-ordination or paralysis. Anyone with severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Older individuals and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.

Protect yourself and your family by:

• Wearing light-coloured clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks
• Using insect repellent containing DEET (follow the label directions)
• Staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active (dusk to dawn)
• Ensuring that all door and window screens are tight and free of holes
• Eliminating sources of standing water on your property to prevent mosquito breeding

For more information on West Nile Virus, please visit http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/wn-no/index-eng.php or call CK Public Health at 519.355.1071.