First mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus
HAMILTON , ON – July 29, 2016 – Residents are reminded to take precautions against West Nile Virus (WNV) infection after Hamilton Public Health Services received results of West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes in one mosquito trap within the city.
This is the first positive result for Hamilton this year. One mosquito pool (batch of mosquitoes) was positive among the mosquitoes collected on July 26 from one out of the 15 traps that are set weekly across the city. The City of Hamilton continually assesses the risk for human illness and has a comprehensive surveillance and prevention program.
The current risk for Hamilton has moved from low to moderate based on receiving these positive results.
While most people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms (~80 per cent), others including the older adults or those with weakened immune systems may experience West Nile fever (~20 per cent) or they may develop more severe illness including inflammation of the brain or the lining of the brain (~1 per cent). For any infection, if symptoms do occur, they appear two to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Mosquito Results and Areas of the city:
- 1 positive pool from one trap located in Lower Central Hamilton
As part of its prevention efforts, the City recently completed the first round of larviciding treatments on city street catch basins and a second round is about to commence. Treatment of surface waters on public land is also ongoing.
Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking the following steps:
- The most effective defense is to use a mosquito repellent containing DEET. When using mosquito repellent, carefully follow manufacturer's instructions.
- Other ways to prevent being bitten include covering up with light coloured long sleeves and long when in known mosquito areas such as wooded areas, on the golf course, or in the garden, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Remember to continue to remove standing water at least weekly from your property.
For additional information on West Nile virus please call the West Nile Virus line at 905-546-3575 during business hours, or visit www.hamilton.ca/westnile.