County reports second human case of West Nile virus

Test results received earlier this week indicate a second Lambton County resident has tested positive for the West Nile virus. The infected 57-year-old Sarnia area resident is currently being treated and monitored in hospital.  

"Residents are strongly urged to continue to take precautions to prevent personal exposure to mosquitoes and to eliminate mosquito breeding sites on their properties," says Dr. Chris Greensmith, Lambton’s Acting Medical Officer of Health. "The current mosquito season is not over, despite cooler night-time temperatures. The mosquitoes circulating are likely to be highly infectious."

Removing or reducing areas of standing water during fall clean-up is an important step that  homeowners can take now that will help to reduce the risk of human West Nile virus infections for next season.

West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. In Ontario, 189 confirmed and/or probable human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in 2012. The majority of people infected with West Nile virus do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, skin rash or muscle aches. Less than 1% of people infected with the virus get seriously ill.

For more information on the West Nile virus visit www.lambtonhealth.on.ca or call the West Nile virus information line at 519-383-3824, or toll-free at 1-800-667-1839 extension 3824.

Tags: Bluewater Health, lambton county, sarnia area resident, second human case, west nile virus