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West Nile-infected mosquitoes found in C-K

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Three mosquito traps across Chatham-Kent have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to a release from the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit.

The positive mosquito pools, which are collected and tested weekly, were located in Dresden, Blenheim and northwest Chatham.

According to Michael Hatten, a public health inspector for CKPH, the virus usually makes an appearance around this time of year – but as long as residents continue with usual precaution, the chances of getting the virus are low.

Last year in Chatham-Kent, three mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile. There were no human cases.

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Hatten noted that residents should check on and eliminate any collected water where mosquitoes like to breed in things such as old tires, bird baths and buckets.

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“We just had a lot of rain in some areas so if residents eliminate that standing water, that will help put a dent in the number of mosquitoes,” said Hatten.

Other precautionary measures encouraged by the health unit include wearing protective, light-coloured clothing including long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks, using insect repellent containing DEET, staying inside when mosquitoes are most active, and checking all window screens and doors for holes.

The virus is usually communicated to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Most people who have West Nile have no symptoms or have flu-like symptoms. Those with more severe illness may experience a stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and lack of co-ordination or paralysis.

Anyone with the sudden onset of these severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

For more information on West Nile Virus, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/wn-no/index-eng.php or call the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519-355-107.

fhewitt@postmedia.com

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