West Nile virus back in Hamilton
- Robert
- 27 Jul 2018
Hamilton’s public health department has announced that the West Nile virus has arrived in Hamilton. Each week, different batches of mosquitoes are trapped and tested for the virus – unfortunately for us, one of this week’s batches tested positive.
While Hamilton has had WNV-positive mosquitos in the past, this week’s batch is the first positive result of the year.
The city is reminding residents to try their best to protect themselves against mosquito bites.
The easiest way to avoid mosquito bites is to use insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin. Wearing loose fitting, light-coloured clothing will also reduce your risk.
The city is also asking residents to help stop mosquitoes from breeding. Mosquitoes need standing water in order to lay their eggs; many people have a surprising number of areas in their own backyards that are the perfect breeding grounds.
When looking at items on your property, consider this: if it can hold water for more than a few days, it can breed mosquitoes.
Common standing water sources include neglected pools, large puddles, birdbaths and open trash bins.
Mosquito season in Ontario starts mid-April and goes until late September. Mosquitos are most active between dawn and dusk, mid-July through early September.
How do you avoid mosquito bites? Let us know in the comments.
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