London, ON – With the Labour Day weekend just days away, the thoughts of many have turned to making the most of summer’s last long weekend and the impending return to school. But while residents may be pondering a family outing or weekend getaway, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is calling on them to make sure they’re protected against West Nile Virus (WNV). The Health Unit announced today it has received a report of another probable human case of the virus, the area’s second locally-acquired case of the summer.

“This most recent human case is another reminder that West Nile Virus is present in our communities. While the summer may be winding down, it’s important to remember that the mosquitoes are still biting,” says Iqbal Kalsi, Manager of Environmental Health at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “As people spend more time outside and try to make the most of the weather, it’s as important as ever to cover up, use an insect repellant that contains DEET on exposed skin, and drain standing water where it collects.”

In addition to the two probable human cases, there have been 20 dead birds and a dozen mosquito traps from various locations across the region that have tested positive for WNV this summer. Elevated WNV activity is also being noted provincially; so far this summer, there have been 83 probable and confirmed human cases of WNV, as well as 375 positive mosquito traps in Ontario.

The Health Unit has these tips to reduce mosquito populations and to help protect yourself and your family against WNV:

• Wear light-coloured clothing with long-sleeves, pants and socks in areas where mosquitoes are present;
• Use insect repellents with DEET and follow directions for use, especially for children;
• Fix holes in screens, windows and doors;
• Keep pool pumps circulating;
• Cover openings in rain barrels;
• Remove standing water on property by emptying eaves troughs, flower pots, children’s toys and other places where water accumulates;
• Regularly change water in birdbaths and add a fountain or pump to ornamental ponds.

The Health Unit’s Vector-Borne Disease Team is continuing its surveillance and control efforts at some 250 standing water locations in London and Middlesex County, having completed some 850 mosquito larvicide treatments. In addition, more than 35,000 roadside catch basins in Middlesex-London have received three larvicide treatments.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 ext. 2469, or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

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