By Josh Boyce, July 4, 2022 at 12:08 p.m.
Efforts are being made to prevent West Nile virus in Sarnia-Lambton.
The Conservation Authority of the St. Clair has hired Lambton Public Health (LPH) to monitor mosquito larvae and apply larvicide to 16,000 catch basins across the county.
We are asked to watch out for vehicles with a flashing yellow light on the roof, West Nile virus signs and “Make frequent stops” warning sign.
LPH health protection supervisor Lori Lucas said there are also things residents can do at home to avoid exposure to mosquitoes, such as getting rid of stagnant water in carts. and in bird baths.
“This includes making sure you use DEET-containing repellents, wearing light-colored protective clothing, and trying to take extra precautions at dusk and dawn when mosquito activity is high. If you know a worse area for mosquitoes , try to avoid this.
Last year, there were 23 human cases from West Nile in Ontario, to Sarnia-Lambton. One person contracted the virus locally in 2020.
Lucas said the health unit is not picking up dead birds for West Nile virus surveillance.
If you find a dead bird on your property, wear gloves or pick it up with a bag; then throw the bag and bird in a trash can. It can be thrown away with the usual rubbish.
Less than one percent of people infected with the virus get seriously ill.