The Independent Staff
Mosquitos carrying the West Nile virus have been found in Petrolia and Camlachie.
That from Lambton Public Health. Lori Lucas says two mosquito traps in the communities were found last week with the virus. “We do know that we have had West Nile activity and we have for many years,” says Lucas. Last year at this time, more mosquitos tested positive in late August. “We tend to see pools (of West Nile infected bugs) later in the season,” says Lucas. “It has happened over the last number of years.”
This fall’s wetter weather has also increased the amount of breeding grounds, making West Nile more likely.
“Larviciding takes place in catch basins and that can be eliminated as a source for breeding.
“What people can do is… remove old tires, turn over pails, toys and wheelbarrows – just think about dumping those out after a rain.”
Lucas says there is no way to guarantee you won’t get bit by a mosquito but a deet based spray will help. Public health officials add the majority of people infected with West Nile Virus do not get sick.
Those who do become ill usually experience mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, skin rash or muscle aches.
Less than one per cent of people infected with the virus get seriously ill. So far this summer, no one has been diagnosed with the disease in lambton County.
For more information call the West Nile virus info line at 519-383-3824.