Defend against mosquitoes and protect yourself from West Nile virus

Whether you are spending time in your backyard, exploring local trails, or vacationing in Ontario, getting bitten by mosquitos puts you at risk of being infected with West Nile virus.

“Although the overall risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus is low, everyone is at risk and preventing bites is important to protect yourself and your family,” said Ashley DeRocchis, an environmental support officer with Public Health Sudbury & Districts.

Here are some simple measures you can take to protect against mosquito bites:

• Use an insect repellent approved by Health Canada and follow the application recommendations on the package.
• Stay indoors, if possible, from dusk to dawn when mosquitos are most active.
• Wear light-coloured clothing, including long sleeves, long pants, socks, and a hat whenever you are outdoors.
• Consider the use of mesh “bug jackets” or “bug hats”.
• Check your window and door screens to ensure that there are no tears or holes for mosquitoes to get through.

Mosquitoes need only a small amount of calm, standing water to lay their eggs and for larvae to hatch. Reduce mosquito breeding areas by changing or removing standing water at least once a week from the following areas:

• bird baths
• old tires
• containers, barrels
• flower pot saucers
• swimming pool covers, wading pools
• clogged gutters and eaves troughs
• clogged drainage ditches
• small containers like cans or bottle tops
• unused children’s toys

Symptoms of West Nile virus can range from mild to severe. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms while some may experience mild symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, mild rash, and swollen lymph glands. In very rare cases the infection can affect the central nervous system and cause serious symptoms including high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, difficulty swallowing, nausea or vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, muscle weakness, and paralysis.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts will be trapping and testing mosquitoes again this year starting in mid-June and continuing into the fall of 2023. For more information on West Nile virus, please visit our website at phsd.ca or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).