First Human Case of West Nile Virus in Lambton County in 2020

Point Edward, ON - A Lambton County resident has tested positive for the West Nile virus (WNV).

This is the first lab-confirmed human case of the virus in Lambton in 2020. There have been 24 human cases reported in Ontario.

In August, WNV was confirmed in Lambton County through local surveillance efforts. Mosquito pools in Petrolia and Oil Springs tested positive for the virus. West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

The confirmed human case is a reminder for Lambton residents to remain vigilant and take precautions to prevent exposure to mosquitoes and to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their property. Despite lower nightly temperatures, the mosquito season is not over until frost and cold temperatures halt mosquito breeding.

Reduce your risk:

• Take precautions to avoid mosquitoes and bites
• Remove or reduce areas of standing water during fall cleanup

For information, call the West Nile virus info line at 519-383-3824 or toll-free 1-800-667-1839 ext. 3824. Visit www.lambtonpublichealth.ca for more about the prevention of mosquitoes and bites, and precautions to remove dead birds.

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