2nd positive West Nile mosquito result in Perth County

Tests done on mosquitoes from a trap in St. Marys have tested positive for West Nile Virus the second time this summer for Perth County.

The first positive test came from a trap in the northeastern part of Mitchell.

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Public health inspector Stephanie Carlisle said they "are not surprised with this result as West Nile activity has been increasing in Ontario over the past few weeks."

So far this summer, 113 West Nile Virus-positive mosquito pools have been found in the province. A mosquito pool is a group of female mosquitoes belonging to the same species.

The health unit has been trapping and testing mosquitoes since June, and has applied two rounds of larvicide to roadside catch basins in Stratford, St. Marys, Listowel and Mitchell to curb breeding.

Public Health Ontario statistics show there have also been two positive test results in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph and none yet in Waterloo Region.

Seven human cases

There are no current human cases of West Nile Virus in Perth County, but there are seven confirmed or probable cases in the province.

Not everyone who gets bitten by an infected mosquito will show symptoms. Those who do show symptoms may experience fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, vomiting and rashes on chest, stomach or back.

The health unit says you can protect yourself by using DEET or Icaridin insect repellent when outdoors, and also remove standing water around your home at least once a week to reduce breeding grounds for mosquitoes.