Tara Jeffrey
Lambton Public Health (LPH) is reporting the area’s first lab-confirmed human case of West Nile Virus this year.
“A Lambton County resident has tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the first lab confirmed human case of the virus locally in 2023,” a news release stated Tuesday.
“The virus was previously established in our area through local surveillance efforts. Mosquito pools in Wyoming, Sarnia, Corunna and Forest tested positive earlier this season.”
There have been 41 human cases reported in Ontario.
“This positive human case is a reminder for Lambton County residents to remain vigilant in taking precautions to prevent exposure to mosquitos and to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their property,” the health unit added. “Despite lower nightly temperatures, the current mosquito season is not over until frost and cold temperatures halt mosquito breeding.”
WNV is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with WNV do not show symptoms, according to Public Health Ontario. Others can get fever, head and body aches, fatigue, rash, meningitis or encephalitis. Exposure to WNV can be prevented by reducing mosquito development sites (i.e., standing water) and using personal protection against mosquitoes.
To reduce your risk, the LPH recommends:
• Take precautions to avoid mosquitoes and bites.
• Remove or reduce areas of standing water during fall clean-up.
For more information, contact the West Nile Virus information line at 519-383-3824, toll-free at 1-800-667-1839 (ext. 3824), or online at www.lambtonpublichealth.ca.