Mosquito season is about to hit Waterloo Region
Posted Jun 7, 2017 04:21:02 PM.
Last Updated Jun 8, 2017 12:04:03 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s about to get hot and sticky in Waterloo Region, which is the perfect time for those pesky mosquitoes to come out for the season.
Brenda Miller, the Region’s Manager of Public Health Inspections, says it’s always important to cover up and protect yourself from mosquito-transmitted viruses– like West Nile.
“Wearing long pants, long sleeves, socks, full shoes and a hat on our head– it may not be fashionable, but it means a mosquito can’t bite you.”
Miller adds that it usually takes two to 15 days from the time of biting to the time you develop West Nile symptoms.
“Most people don’t develop symptoms, while some experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches or fatigue.. and a small number of people may develop more serious symptoms.” She says.
Miller says it’s too early in the season to find any mosquitos carrying West Nile virus– however, she adds that our region has been seeing another type of insect.
“2017 seems to be a year where we are seeing lots of dog ticks throughout Ontario, especially in our community.”
Miller says Waterloo Region isn’t currently an area that is known for black legged ticks, which carry Lyme disease– and notes that dog ticks are not capable of transmitting the illness.
Miller adds that 16 mosquito traps will be put out across the region starting next week.
