Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Halton

There is no cure for West Nile virus.

Two batches of mosquitoes trapped in Halton Region last week have tested positive for West Nile virus.

WHITE PLAINS, New York -The Westchester County Department of Health is reminding residents to dump out standing water on their property after it rains, and to use insect repellents when outdoors in the early morning and late afternoon to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes that could carry West Nile Virus.

Officials say the Culex mosquito is more prevalent during mid-to-late summer when the temperatures are hotter and the weather pattern is drier. Once a mosquito feeds on an infected bird, it becomes infected and produces more WNV positive mosquito which then infect animals and humans. Its symptoms can include sudden fever, headache, and dizziness and muscle weakness. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection.

West Nile is very rare in cats and dogs, and these species do not show many signs of the disease. Those who notice any of these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Since June, the state has seen 16 residents who were confirmed sickened from the illness, which is contracted through the bite of an infected mosquito. If your veterinarian thought your dog or cat had the virus, supportive care to treat the symptoms would be started. People aged above 50 years are at the highest risk of developing severe neurological disease from the virus. Fewer than 1 percent of infected people develop a neurologic illness, but when it happens, it can be fatal.

Prevention is the key for stopping the spread of West Nile.

Reduce exposure: minimize being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.

Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around the home by removing standing water in potted plants, tires, birdbaths and other containers where water may collect.

To protect horses against mosquitoes, they can be sprayed or wiped with repellents and Ettestad said to keep horses in the barn when possible.