Lambton Public Health has confirmed the first local presence of West Nile virus this summer.
A mosquito trap collected on Wednesday, August 12 in Petrolia tested positive for the virus.
While no human cases have been reported in Lambton County so far this year, public health officials note that three positive human cases have already been confirmed across Ontario.
West Nile can be passed to humans through an infected mosquito.
A very small number of people will get sick but occasionally the virus can cause encephalitis.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions to prevent exposure to mosquitoes by eliminating breeding sites and standing water on their properties, and wearing insect repellent containing deet.
For more information about West Nile virus and local surveillance, contact the Lambton Public Health information line at 519-383-3824 or visit lambtonpublichealth.ca.
