City of Hamilton reports West Nile positive mosquitoes

The City of Hamilton says a batch of mosquitoes caught in the city this week have tested positive for the West Nile virus.

This marks the first West Nile virus positive mosquitoes in Hamilton, which has led the Medical Officer of Health to move the risk for the virus from low to moderate.

The City says it has recently completed a second round of larviciding treatments on city street catch basins as well as ongoing treatment of surface waters on public land to prevent further spread.

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While most individuals infected with the West Nile Virus do not develop symptoms, some may develop a fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.

Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and individuals over 50 years of age are at higher risk for severe disease.

Residents in Hamilton are reminded to take steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes by wearing cover-ups, eliminating any breeding sites on their properties by removing standing water at least weekly and using repellents containing DEET or Icaridin.

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