A mosquito pool in the Brighton area has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), making it the first positive case in the region for the season.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit confirmed the positive result in the mosquito traps on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, but noted the mosquito was collected from one of the traps set by public health on Aug. 1.
Public health is reminding the public to take precautions to protect themselves against WNV.
The health unit conducts weekly mosquito trapping and testing throughout its coverage area – Northumberland, Haliburton and Kawartha – during the summer and early fall months to monitor WNV activity, explained officials.
And while no mosquitoes tested positive for WNV in the district area last year, there were confirmed human cases in Ontario, noted the health unit.
“As we enter the peak season for West Nile Virus, it’s crucial for everyone to take preventive measures seriously,” said Anne Marie Holt, director of health protection with the health unit. “Protecting yourself from mosquito bites and eliminating standing water around your home are simple yet effective ways to reduce the risk of infection.
“Negative mosquito pools don’t guarantee that WNV is not present in the community – it only means we didn’t catch a positive mosquito pool. Therefore, it is important for the community to stay vigilant.”
WNV is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. The majority of WNV cases don’t show symptoms – however, some infected individuals may experience mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and body aches, explained public health.
Others may develop severe neuro-invasive disease, which disproportionately affects older adults, public health continued.
To prevent WNV, the public should “cover up and clean up.”
This means to prevent bites, cover up when outdoors between dusk and dawn, and use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin. To clean up, tackle around your property by removing thick brush, cutting down high vegetation, and removing sources of standing water from your property, i.e. old tires, wheelbarrows and clean eaves troughs to reduce mosquito habitats, said the health unit.
What’s more, you can prevent mosquitoes from entering your home by ensuring your window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
For additional information on protection measures against West Nile Virus, including reducing mosquito breeding sites and the safe use of insect repellents, visit hkpr.on.ca/WNV.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
