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West Nile In Woodstock

Tuesday, 31 July 2018 06:57

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A Woodstock based mosquito trap has tested positive for the west nile virus.

WOODSTOCK - Southwestern Public Health is reporting the first positive West Nile pool of the season.

It was found in Woodstock last week.

Only 80 percent people with West Nile experience symptoms. Elaine Reddick, Program Manager in Infectious Diseases, says they're still encouraging residents to take precaution.

"I think we had one human case of West Nile in Oxford last year and before that there wasn't any since 2006. It's hard to say whether we're going to see cases this year but there have been years where we have seen many cases so it's a good idea for people to take precaution."

Make sure you cover up your arms and legs, where bug spray with deet and be extra cautious around dusk and dawn.

Reddick adds says you also should clear all standing water outside your home.

"Things like cleaning out bird baths, wading pools and pet water dishes. You just don't water to sit for very long because it's in that water that mosquitoes can breed. Same thing if you have old tires, empty flower pots or really anything in the backyard that could be collecting water, you wan to make sure it's empty."

West Nile symptoms start about two to 14 days after being bit by a West Nile positive mosquito. The symptoms are very similar to the flu; including headaches and a high fever.

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