Peterborough Public Health Confirms West Nile Virus In Local Mosquitoes

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has confirmed that City of Peterborough mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) that were trapped from Aug. 8 to last Thursday.

Stock Photo.

This is the first positive mosquito pool found in Peterborough this year according to PPH. As of Aug. 6th, there have been 14 WNV-positive mosquito pools in Ontario but none in humans as stated by Public Health Ontario. During the summer and early fall months, PPH sets traps weekly throughout the City and County of Peterborough to gather mosquito specimens for WNV testing.

“Now that we’ve identified mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in our area, it’s especially important that residents take care to prevent mosquito bites,” said Joshua Laite of the health unit’s Vector-borne Disease Program. “This is a good reminder for residents to get rid of any standing water in their yards and to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.”

Laite noted that the majority of WNV cases do not show symptoms. About 20 per cent of infected people may have a mild flu-like illness with fever, headache and body aches. Occasionally there can be a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes or other non-specific symptoms that last several days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting or eye pain. Less than one per cent of infected people will develop the neuro-invasive disease, with older age groups and males disproportionately affected.

Although the risk of becoming infected is low, prevention against mosquito bites is the best protection. Individuals can protect themselves from bites in several ways:

• Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn. Remember to wear:

  • a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and long pants (tucked into your socks for extra protection)

  • light-coloured clothing so mosquitoes are easily spotted o Wear special clothing that is designed to protect you from bugs when you know you’ll be outdoors for an extended period of time

  • Use insect repellant containing DEET. (DEET is a powerful chemical. Always read the label directions for use. Or, ask your pharmacist for help when choosing a DEET product.)

• Clean up:

  • once a week, get rid of standing water around your home (mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, even small amounts)

  • keep bushes and shrubs clear of overgrowth and debris (adult mosquitoes like to rest in dense shrubbery)

  • turn your compost pile often

“To prevent this virus from spreading, we're encouraging any residents to get rid of any standing water on their property to remove breeding pools,” said Sarah Gill, PPH communications manager. “For personal protection, use clothing to cover bare skin and use mosquito repellent when heading outdoors.”

The City of Peterborough has historically used the application of larvicides in the catch basins in the City and County according to PPH. This is to help control the local population of mosquitoes to help protect the public from WNV.

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West Nile Virus Confirmed in Local Mosquitoes: What You Need To Know

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is advising the public that mosquitoes in the City of Peterborough have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The mosquitoes were trapped from July 17th to 19th.

This is the first positive mosquito pool found in Peterborough this year. During the summer months and early fall, PPH sets five traps weekly; three traps are in fixed locations and two others rotate throughout the Peterborough City and County.

“Now that we’ve identified mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in our area, it’s especially important that residents take care to prevent mosquito bites,” says Wanda Tonus, Public Health Inspector. “This is a good reminder for residents to eliminate any standing water in their yards and to take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites.”
 

Tonus notes that the majority of WNV cases do not show symptoms. About 20% of infected people will experience mild illness with such symptoms as fever, headache, and body aches—occasionally with a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes that last several days.

Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting or eye pain. Symptoms usually develop 2 to 14 days after receiving a bite from an infected mosquito. Less than 1% of infected people will develop neurological symptoms.
Although the risk of becoming infected is low, prevention against bites is the best protection.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELVES FROM BITES

-> Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn.

-> Remember to wear: a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and long pants (tucked into your socks for extra protection) 

-> Clean up: once a week, get rid of standing water around your home in places such as bird baths, eavestroughs, wheelbarrows and flower pots, etc.

-> Keep bushes and shrubs clear of overgrowth and debris (adult mosquitoes like to rest in dense
shrubbery)

-> Turn your compost pile often

-> Use insect repellent containing DEET. (DEET is a powerful chemical. Read the label carefully and apply as directed You can also ask your pharmacist for help when choosing a DEET product.)

For more info, visit peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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