The first direct evidence of West Nile virus in the region has been found in a resident of Prince Edward County.
“In response, (Hastings-Prince Edward Public Health) is applying larvicide within select locations of Hastings and Prince Edward Counties until September 7, 2020,” the health unit says in a statement to the MyBancroftNow.com newsroom. “This mosquito larvae control measure is being conducted under the authority of the Acting Medical Officer of Health to prevent the development of mosquitoes into vectors of WNv. The pellet formulation of the larvicide Methoprene (PCP number 21809) will be placed into catch basins that contain standing water. All larvicide will be applied by technicians trained by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.”
Public Health says symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache, sudden sensitivity to light, numbers, or vision loss. Most of the time, HPEPH says you will show mild to no symptoms.
To fend off getting the virus, Public Health suggests wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts and apply Health Canada approved insect repellant when outdoors for long stretches of time.
They also say to remove sources of standing water, since that’s where mosquitoes lay their eggs and to ensure all windows and door screens fit securely with no holes.
Public Health adds to never handle a dead bird with your bare hands. “Notify Public Health if clusters of dead birds or animals are found,” Public Health says.