Mosquitoes in traps in Ridgetown and Chatham recently tested positive for carrying the West Nile Virus, according to CK Public Health officials.
These are the first positive pools identified in Chatham-Kent this season.
West Nile Virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Many people infected with the virus experience no symptoms. Some may experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and fatigue. But in rare cases, infected individuals may experience more severe illness, including stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and paralysis.
Anyone with severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Older individuals and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.
Wearing light-coloured clothing, using repellent containing DEET or Icardin, staying indoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active and eliminating standing water on your property are ways to help protect yourself from possible exposure, health officials said.
