West Nile virus detected in Belleville-area mosquitoes for first time this year

Southeast Public health urges residents to protect themselves after virus found in local mosquito pool and two crows.

West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in the Belleville area for the first time this year, prompting Southeast Public Health to remind residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.

The health unit says a mosquito pool collected through its surveillance program recently tested positive for the virus. Two black crows in the region also tested positive during the week of July 13.

West Nile virus is spread to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who become infected have mild symptoms or none at all, but severe illness can occur in rare cases, including inflammation of the brain.

Early symptoms may include fever, severe headache, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, numbness, tremours, sensitivity to light or vision loss. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact a health-care provider.

"These findings are an important reminder for residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites and eliminate breeding sites around their homes," said Kim McCann, manager of environmental health at Southeast Public Health.

Residents are encouraged to wear protective clothing, use insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin, remove standing water and avoid handling dead birds with bare hands.

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Story by Alyssa Brush