Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Aug. 10, 2023
Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus (WNv) have been found in the Sidney Township area. This first direct evidence of WNv in our area this year was identified as part of regular surveillance by Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH).
Recent hot and rainy weather may lead to an increase in local mosquito populations, raising concern about WNv activity. Testing will continue throughout the region to monitor the incidence of WNv.
About West Nile Virus
WNv is an infection found in birds and carried by mosquitoes which feed on infected birds. WNv is spread to humans and animals through bites by infected mosquitoes.
Early symptoms of WNv can include:
- Fever
- Muscle weakness
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Severe headache
- Sudden sensitivity to light
- Tremors
- Numbness
- Vision loss
Most infected individuals have mild symptoms or none at all. In severe cases, WNv can cause inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis. If individuals believe they are experiencing early symptoms of WNv, they are encouraged to contact their primary care provider.
“Mosquitoes that may be carrying WNv will typically appear in July, peak in numbers by mid-August, and decline significantly by early September,” says Andrew Landy, Manager Healthy Environments. “It is during these times that we recommend that residents be most diligent about protecting themselves and their family. The recent finding of local mosquitoes carrying WNv serves as a reminder to take precautions to prevent bites and reduce breeding sites.”
Protect yourself and your family
Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. If residents need to be outside during these times, they are encouraged to wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, socks, a hat, and use an insect repellant containing DEET or Icaridin. Since mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, removing any sources of standing water, such as small pools and birdbaths, will help reduce the mosquito population. Ensuring that windows and doors are screened will help keep mosquitoes outside.
For more information, visit hpePublicHealth.ca or call 613-966-5500, ext. 677.
-30-
For more information contact:
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
Jessica Klein, Communications Specialist
jklein@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
We invite community partners and residents to share this Media Release with their respective networks.
