The health unit that serves Northumberland County is urging local residents to fight off mosquito bites now that West Nile virus has been detected within the health unit’s region.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge health unit has received lab confirmation that a batch of mosquitoes collected in Lindsay, near Peterborough, on August 18, have tested positive for West Nile virus.
This is the first time in 2016 that West Nile virus has been detected in the area the area served by the health unit.
To reduce their risk of West Nile virus, area residents are encouraged to cover up when outside by wearing light-coloured clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, jackets, long pants, especially between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Applying federally-registered insect repellent on exposed skin (such as products containing DEET) is also recommended to limit exposure to mosquitoes.
Public health officials say people should clean up and remove any standing water around their homes, cottages or campsites. Mosquitoes need stagnant water to lay their eggs, and even small amounts will do, such as that found in bird baths, old tires and unused containers like barrels
