Positive Pool of Mosquitoes for West Nile Virus Found in Waterloo Region (2)

One pool of mosquitoes has tested positive this week for West Nile Virus in Kitchener. Although the positive pool of mosquitoes was found in Kitchener, it is important for people to take precautions against West Nile Virus throughout the region. West Nile Virus has been detected in various locations across Ontario this season. With the temperatures remaining warm and the vacation weekend upon us, many people will be spending time outdoors.

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

Make Personal Protection a Priority

• Wear light coloured, tightly woven long sleeved shirts, pants and a hat.
• Minimize time spent outdoors during dusk and dawn.
• Apply a repellant 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.
• Never use DEET on a child under the age of six months.
• 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, 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.

For more information about West Nile Virus, call 519-883-2008 ext 5147 or visit: http://chd.region.waterloo.on.ca/en/healthylivinghealthprotection/westnilevirus.asp

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Media contact: Dave Young, Director of Health Protection and Investigation 519-883-2271