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Positive Pool of Mosquitoes for West Nile Virus Found in Waterloo Region

One pool of mosquitoes has tested positive this week for West Nile Virus in the City of Kitchener. This is the first positive pool of mosquitoes identified in the region for 2016. Although the positive pool of mosquitoes was found in Kitchener, it is an indicator that West Nile Virus is present in the region and it is important for people to take precautions against West Nile Virus throughout the region.

West Nile Virus has already been detected at various locations across Ontario this season. There have been no human cases to date in Waterloo Region.

Public Health urges residents to always take precautions when venturing outdoors. Helpful suggestions for personal protection include the following:

Make personal protection a priority

 

  • Wear light-colored, tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, pants and a hat.
  • Minimize time spent outdoors during dusk and dawn.
  • Apply a repellent containing DEET. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and never use a concentration higher than needed for the time you plan to spend outdoors. Eucalyptus plant compounds and soybean oil are other alternatives.
  • The use of DEET on a child under the age of six months is not recommended.
  • Make sure that door and window screens fit tightly and have no holes that would allow mosquitoes to enter.

 

Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds

 

  • Eliminate standing water on your property to reduce places where mosquitoes can breed including water in bird baths, eaves troughs, and flower pot saucers.
  • Don’t allow outdoor objects to collect water.
  • Cover rain barrels with a fine mesh screen.
  • Change water in birdbaths and livestock watering tanks at least once a week.
  • Don’t allow water to collect in roadside ditches or in low lying areas on your property.
  • Clean up brush and debris that could act as mosquito breeding areas.

 

For more information about http://chd.region.waterloo.on.ca/en/healthyLivingHealthProtection/westnilevirus.asp, call at 519-575-4400

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Media contact: 

Kirsten Keil-Mehlenbacher, Coordinator, Health Communications,
519-575-4400 ext. 2244