Laboratory testing has confirmed that mosquitoes collected last week from a trap in Tilbury and a trap in Northwest Chatham have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Chatham-Kent Public Health said the mosquitoes were collected last Tuesday and are the first positive mosquitoes identified from these traps this season.
The first infected mosquitoes in CK this season were collected on July 30 from a trap in Ridgetown and a tape in Southeast Chatham.
West Nile Virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Many people infected with the virus experience no symptoms. However, some may experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue.
In rare cases, infected individuals may experience more severe illness, including stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and paralysis.
Anyone with severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, said CK Public Health.
"Older individuals and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness," noted health officials. "West Nile Virus is a risk anytime mosquitoes bite.
The public can protect themselves by:
Wearing light-coloured clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks,
Using insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin (follow the label directions),
Staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active (dusk to dawn),
Ensuring that all door and window screens are tight and free of holes, and
Eliminating sources of standing water on your property to prevent mosquito breeding.