Mosquitos with West Nile virus found in London

According to the health office, the trap was in the Springbank area and Wharncliffe Rd. It is the first mosquito trap in the city that contains mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus this summer.

"As we continue our efforts to monitor and control mosquitoes in the area, we want to remind Middlesex County people that they need to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites," said Jeremy Hogeveen , vector-borne disease coordinator at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. "You can prevent mosquito bites by covering exposed skin or by using repellents that contain DEET or Icaridin. Removing stagnant water from your property is also a great way to reduce the number of mosquitoes.

The health office recommends emptying gutters, flowerpots, children's toys and other places where water can accumulate. He also says that bird baths should have their water changed frequently. Ornamental ponds should also have a fountain or pump to aerate the water. To protect against mosquito bites, the health unit suggests avoiding the outdoors near dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. If you are going to be outside during these times, it is recommended to wear light colored long sleeve shirts and pants as well as an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin.

"The majority of people (80%) infected with West Nile virus do not get sick," said the health unit in a statement released Tuesday. "Those who become ill usually experience mild flu-like symptoms, while less than 1% of those infected with the virus become seriously ill."

Public health says mosquito surveillance team monitors traps to mosquitoes. Stagnant water sites in the county since the beginning of May. When he finds mosquitoes capable of carrying West Nile virus, he applies larva acid to stagnant water to control insect larvae