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West Nile Testing About to Begin

Members of the Perth District Health Unit are getting ready to set up mosquito traps in Stratford, St Mary's, Listowel and Mitchell.

PERTH COUNTY - West Nile surveillance is about to begin in Perth County.

The Perth District Health Unit is going to set up traps in the Stratford, St Mary's, Listowel and Mitchell and consistently monitor them for 11 weeks throughout the summer.

Public Health Inspector Stephanie Carlisle explains the process.

"We trap mosquitos, collect them, send them to the lab where they get identified and then tested for West Nile virus."

Carlisle says they usually find positive mosquito pools each year.

They conduct these tests in hopes of reducing the human health risk. Carlisle says West Nile symptoms in humans are not as common as you may think.

"About 20 percent of those who are infected will develop mild illness. Symptoms usually include fever, headache and body aches; typical flu like symptoms and that usually develops between two and fifteen days after being bit by an infected mosquito."

Make sure you clean outstanding water around your home to help control the mosquito population. This includes bird baths, children's toys, and pool covers.

Carlisle also suggests wearing long sleeved clothing and insect repellent with deet or picardin to protect yourself.

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