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West Nile Virus has been found in Renfrew County, according to the health unit.
The RCDHU says that the mosquitoes testing positive for the virus were found in the Town of Renfrew around the intersection of Bonnechere Street and Opeongo Road. Since 2005, the health unit says this is only the third time that mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile.
Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr Robert Cushman says while the risk in the county remains low, individuals should take precautions to prevent bites and reduce breeding sites. The unit suggests covering up when outside by wearing light colour clothing such as long sleeved shirts, jackets, long pants and socks, especially between dusk and dawn. They also say to remove any standing water around your home, as stagnant water is where mosquitoes will lay their eggs. They say to apply federally registered insect repellent on exposed skin to limit exposure to mosquitoes. They also say to keep bushes and shrubs clear of overgrowth and debris and make sure that your homes and businesses are “bug tight”.
The unit says so far there has not been any reported human cases of the virus.
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