Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Huron County Health Unit
Cool Summer Doesn't Stop Mosquitoes or West Nile Virus
Even in cool summer weather, the Huron County Health Unit encourages you to protect yourself against West Nile Virus.
Mosquito activity decreases with cooler temperatures but mosquitoes remain active until a significant frost event occurs. West Nile Virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.
The Huron County Health Unit traps mosquitoes weekly and has them identified and tested. As of August 15, no mosquitoes trapped in Huron County have tested positive for West Nile Virus. Some mosquitoes have tested positive this year within the neighbouring health units of Lambton and Middlesex-London, however.
Take some simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, light in colour and made of a tightly woven material
- Try to minimize time spent outdoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are more active
- Refrain from using perfumes, colognes, scented shampoos, conditioners and deodorant
- Wear insect repellent with DEET, remembering to apply sunscreen before insect repellent
Most people infected with West Nile Virus experience no symptoms or have flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, stiff neck, weak muscles, mild rash, or swollen glands.
In more rare and severe cases, symptoms may include severe headache, stiff neck, high fever, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, loss of consciousness, loss of coordination, nausea and muscle weakness and paralysis.
Media Contact:
Rita Marshall
Communications Coordinator
Huron County Health Unit
519-482-3416 or toll-free 1-877-837-6143 ext 2023
rmarshall@huroncounty.ca
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