The health unit is reminding residents to protect themselves from West Nile Virus.
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit says it has identified mosquitoes positive with West Nile Virus in a recent sampling. With the recent warm temperatures, the health unit says you should take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family from the bites.
The health unit says that while the risk is low for infection in most people, it can cause serious illness in others.
To reduce the risk, the health unit says you should:
• Apply insect repellents sparingly to exposed skin. Effective repellents contain Deet or Icaridin. Be sure to follow directions and use age appropriate concentrations. DO NOT USE
personal insect repellents on children under two years of age.
• Wear light coloured clothing, long pants and long sleeves, as well as shoes and socks during peak mosquito times to prevent mosquito bites.
• Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn, as mosquitos are most active at that time.
• Use netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect small babies from insect bites.
• Repair or replace old and torn screens in doors, windows, and vents that no longer prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
• Consult your healthcare provider if you suspect that you have an insect transmittable disease such as West Nile Virus.
More information is available through the health unit’s website here. You can also call 1-800-660-5853 or connect with LGLHealthunit on Facebook or Twitter.