More West Nile positive mosquitoes found in Uxbridge

Durham Region has identified another batch of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes, this time up in Uxbridge.

Between June and September, the Region sets traps for mosquitoes weekly throughout all eight municipalities. So far they’ve discovered 18 positive batches across the region, though the is the first time this year that positive mosquitoes were found in Uxbridge.

Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus by drawing blood from an infected bird, then biting a human. People can’t get the virus from bird directly and can not spread it among themselves. Most who contract the disease will suffer mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting, and rash on the chest, stomach or back. However, in rare cases more serious symptoms present such as muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, numbness and sudden sensitivity to light.

Generally, symptoms show up between two days and two weeks after the infected person is bitten. However, contraction itself is quite rare but residents should take precautions just in case. These include wearing shoes, socks and long-sleeved clothes while outdoors, using bug spray with DEET, removing standing water from their yards and ensuring screens are in good shape.