Thursday, July 03, 2014
Perth District Health Unit
Health Unit Reminds Residents to Protect Themselves from West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease
Summer is here and the Health Unit is once again reminding residents about the dangers of West Nile virus (WNV) and other diseases spread by insects or arthropods, such as Lyme disease and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEv). These infections have the potential to make some people very sick. Therefore it is important that people take steps to protect themselves.
What is West Nile Virus?
WNV is a disease that is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Over the last several years there have been WNV-positive mosquito pools detected in Perth County. Evidence shows that many people infected with West Nile virus have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, people with weaker immune systems and people with chronic diseases are at greater risk for serious health effects.
What is EEEv?
EEEv is also a mosquito-borne infection that was first detected in Ontario mosquitoes in 2009. To date, there have been no mosquitoes carrying EEEv found in Perth County.
Stop Mosquitoes from Breeding
People can stop mosquitoes from breeding by getting rid of standing water around the home, farm and workplace. Rain creates areas of standing water which are prime breeding spots for mosquitoes. “Objects like birdbaths, children’s toys, pool covers and tires are perfect mosquito breeding grounds,” says Stephanie Carlisle, Public Health Inspector. “It’s important to get into a routine of checking your property for standing water and clearing it away at least once a week.”
Protect yourself from Mosquito Bites
The Health Unit also recommends that people protect themselves from mosquito bites by:
- Using insect repellent when outdoors; consider using a repellent with DEET and choose one that is federally registered (look for a “REG NO – P.C.P ACT” near the active ingredients list)
- Covering up with light-coloured clothes, long sleeves and pants when outdoors or while in areas where mosquito activity is high
- Taking extra protection measures at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an infection spread by the bite of blacklegged ticks (formerly called deer ticks). In Ontario, blacklegged tick populations infected with Lyme Disease are more commonly found in rural areas along the north shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River. To date, there have been no reports of blacklegged ticks in the Perth County area. However, ticks can be transported by wildlife, so there is still a risk that blacklegged ticks carrying Lyme Disease could be found anywhere in Ontario, including in Perth County. Therefore, residents are advised to take the precautions below even if bitten by a tick in Perth County.
How to Prevent Lyme Disease
If you are going to be in an area where blacklegged ticks are found, follow these simple precautions:
- Wear closed-toe shoes, long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Pull your socks over your pant legs
- Use insect repellents that contain DEET or Icaridin
- Shower or bathe within 2 hours after being outdoors to wash away loose ticks.
If you do find a tick on your body:
- Carefully remove any ticks you find using clean tweezers
- Wash the bite area with soap and water and/or hand sanitizer
- See your healthcare provider if you feel unwell in the weeks after being bitten
- Residents can bring a tick that has been found on a person into the Health Unit for identification; call first to make an appointment with a Public Health Inspector.
For More Information:
Media Contact:
Rebecca Hill
Communications Manager
519-271-7600 ext 279
rhill@pdhu.on.ca
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