CK Public Health has announced new initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of people getting sick from mosquito and tick bites.
Starting this season, West Nile virus mosquito surveillance data will be available through an online report that will be updated weekly with mosquito identification and testing results from June through to September.
The additional public transparency provided by online reporting allows residents to stay informed about West Nile Virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, CK Public Health officials say.
The public can view the bulletin at ckpublichealth.com/thegreatoutdoors.
CK Public Health will continue to issue media releases for the first positive mosquitoes found at each trap site in a season.
In line with advancing the health of the community, CK Public Health is also announcing changes to local blacklegged tick population ranges in Chatham-Kent.
Blacklegged ticks can transmit Lyme disease, as well as other diseases including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis and Powassan virus, to people, public health officials say.
Public Health Ontario has recently confirmed the identification of a new established risk area for blacklegged ticks and Lyme disease in Chatham-Kent.
The new risk area is centralized in a wooded lot northeast of the community of Thamesville.
“These mosquito and tick surveillance programs are proactive public health measures that help to enhance community safety,” says Dr Shanker Nesathurai, CK Public Health’s Acting Medical Officer of Health, in a press release.
“By enhancing surveillance efforts and providing transparent reporting, CK Public Health aims to empower residents with the information they need to reduce the risk of vector-borne illnesses.”
West Nile virus is a risk any time mosquitoes are active.
Tick-borne diseases are a risk anywhere, and ticks are active spring, summer, fall, and even during mild winters.
Residents are reminded to take action to protect themselves and their families.
For more information and updates on mosquito and tick surveillance programs, please visit the CK Public Health website at ckpublichealth.com/thegreatoutdoors.
