London, ON – Laboratory analysis of mosquitoes found in a trap located near Fanshawe Park Road and Adelaide Street has confirmed the insects were carrying the West Nile Virus. Earlier today, the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s contractor, Québec-based Groupe de Gestion Environnement (GDG Environmental), advised Health Unit staff of the positive test. The mosquitoes are the first indication this summer that West Nile Virus is once again present in the community. So far, the Health Unit has not confirmed West Nile Virus in any of the dead birds that have been submitted by local residents for testing.

“An important part of our surveillance program is to let the community know when and where we first detect West Nile Virus each summer,” says Iqbal Kalsi, Manager of Environmental Health and the Vector-Borne Disease Program. “It’s our opportunity to remind families and individuals in our region about West Nile Virus and to protect themselves against mosquito bites and remove mosquito breeding sites on their property.”

Tips to help protect you and your family against West Nile Virus include:

• Wearing light-coloured clothing with long-sleeves, pants and socks in areas where mosquitoes are present, especially at dusk and dawn when they are most active.
• Using an insect repellent that contains DEET. Be sure to follow directions for use, especially for children.
• Fixing holes in screens, windows and doors.
• Emptying standing water regularly from garbage cans, wheelbarrows, toys, flowerpots and saucers, pool covers, tires, and other items around your home and yard.
• Changing water in bird baths every other day.
• Keeping pool pumps, and pumps in ornamental ponds, circulating.
• Covering openings in rain barrels.

The majority of people (80%) who become infected with West Nile Virus do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild flu-like symptoms, while fewer than 1% of people infected with the virus become seriously ill.

The Health Unit’s Vector-Borne Disease Team has conducted weekly mosquito monitoring at some 250 standing water locations on public property since the beginning of May. Where mosquitoes capable of carrying West Nile Virus are identified, a larvicide is applied to control insect larvae. This is in addition to 35,000 roadside catch basins in London and Middlesex County already receiving two treatments this summer.

To report a dead crow or blue jay, call the Health Unit at 519-663-5317, ext. 2300 or visit: www.healthunit.com/vector-borne-diseases-west-nile-virus.

Media Contact:
Alex Tyml, Online Communications Coordinator, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 ext. 2560 or 226-236-1941 (cell.)

Spokespeople:
Iqbal Kalsi, Manager of Environmental Health, Middlesex-London Health Unit