PETERBOROUGH-Peterborough Public Health says mosquitoes in the City of Peterborough have tested positive for West Nile virus.
Officials say the mosquitoes were trapped from July 17 to 19th. This is the first positive mosquito pool found in Peterborough this year. PPH sets five traps weekly; three traps are in fixed locations and two others rotate throughout the Peterborough City and County throughout the summer.
“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 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 noted that the majority of West Nile 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. Individuals can protect themselves from bites in several ways:
Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn. They suggest wearing a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and long pants (tucked into your socks for extra protection) o light-coloured clothing. They also recommend getting rid of standing water around your home in places such as bird baths, eavestroughs,wheelbarrows and flower pots etc. at least once a week.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, even small amounts.
You should also 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.
photo credit: calafellvalo Mosquito tigre via photopin (license)
