HORNEPAYNE—Summer brings with it nicer weather, but also the greater potential of bites from mosquitoes and ticks. Porcupine Health Unit wants to make these insects their focus this summer in the hope of encouraging everyone to take precautions to protect themselves.
They recently added key information about “Vector-borne illnesses” that are passed to people by mosquitoes or a tick.
According to the health unit, "Mosquitoes can carry the West Nile virus which can lead to severe illness, especially in children and the elderly. Ticks can carry illnesses, such as Lyme disease, that can lead to lifelong health problems."
In the Porcupine Health Unit region, the risk remains low for both West Nile virus and Lyme disease. They want residents to know that because the West Nile virus is transmitted from the bite of an infected mosquito, the health unit conducts weekly mosquito trapping and testing to determine if this virus is present in the area.
The public can follow simple guidelines and tips to protect themselves. Porcupine Health Unit offers a list of recommended protective measures to avoid being bitten by a mosquito or tick.
- Wear light-coloured clothing, closed-toe footwear, socks and long sleeved tops and pants.
- Use insect repellent that has DEET or Icaridin according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, so you should limit your time outdoors during those times.
- Search your clothes and body for ticks. If ticks are found on yourself or your loved ones, they can be submitted to the Porcupine Health Unit for identification and testing.
Taking these simple precautions can help prevent you from getting these Vector-borne illnesses.