The Grey Bruce Health Unit says a mosquito in the Municipality of Meaford has tested positive for West Nile virus.
Offiicials say that re-affirms the presence of the virus in mosquito pools in our area.
They'll continue weekly trapping of mosquitoes and have them tested at a lab.
If you see a trap, please do not touch it.
So far this year there have been no confirmed cases of West Nile in humans in Grey and Bruce Counties.
- West Nile Virus Found in Huron County
- West Nile Discovered in Alliston
- West Nile Positive Mosquitoes in Caledon
Health Unit officials say the best way to prevent West Nile virus is to avoid being bitten.
They say you should reduce mosquito habitats by getting rid of standing water, which is where mosquitoes lay eggs.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends the following when heading outdoors when mosquitoes are most active (e.g., dawn and dusk):
Cover exposed skin
Wear long pants and loose-fitting shirts with long sleeves
Socks and a hat (even put mosquito netting over your hat)
Wear light coloured clothing
Use bug spray that contains either DEET or Icaridin
The Health Unit recommends you speak to your health care provider if you are concerned about your health. They note most people infected with West Nile Virus have no symptoms.
For others, symptoms may occur within 2 to 15 days after infection. Symptoms can be mild to severe. Mild symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, mild rash, or swollen lymph nodes.
Recovery can take a week for mild cases.
Adults 50 years or older and those with weakened immune symptoms are at risk of developing more severe symptoms such as acute headache, high fever, stiff neck, nausea or vomiting, difficulty swallowing or confusion.