Fourth Mosquito Pool with West Nile Virus Found in City
Written by admin, August 27, 2012
August 27, 2012 – Public Health Advises Residents to Protect Themselves Against Mosquito Bites
The Peterborough Public Health is advising the public that mosquitoes in the City of Peterborough have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The mosquitoes were trapped August 20th, 21st and 22nd, 2012.
This is the fourth positive mosquito pool found within the City of Peterborough this year. As of last week, 312 positive mosquito pools had been found in Ontario. There have been 49 confirmed and probable human cases of the virus in the province with no deaths. In 2011, there were 136 positive mosquito pools reported the same time this year with 24 confirmed and probable human cases.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported an alarming increase in the number of human cases. Over 1,100 cases have been reported, three times as many as usually seen this time of year. There have been 41 deaths reported to the CDC. Over half the human cases have been reported in Texas.
There have been no human cases of WNV identified in Peterborough City or County. Most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, there may be more serious symptoms including high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion and tremors. Older adults are usually more affected than children. Individuals experiencing severe headache, fever, body ache, nausea, vomiting and rash, should consult a physician. Symptoms usually develop between 2 and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Although the risk of becoming infected is low, prevention against bites is the best protection. Residents are strongly advised to use personal protective measures while outdoors to avoid mosquito bites. These measures include:
- using a Health Canada approved insect repellant containing DEET
- wearing light-coloured clothing and covering up when in areas where mosquitoes are present
- taking extra precautions, especially in early morning and early evening, when mosquitoes are most active
- remove standing water around your home and vacation property
It is extremely important that residents continue to eliminate standing water on their properties which may serve as mosquito breeding sites. For additional information on protection measures against West Nile virus such as reducing mosquito breeding sites and the safe use of insect repellents, please consult Public Health’s website at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Dylan Mahoney
Vector-borne Disease Prevention Program
Peterborough Public Health
705-743- 1000, ext. 340