Summer may be coming to an end for us, but as far as mosquitoes and their role in transmitting West Nile virus (WNv) are concerned, the summer isn’t over yet. With plenty of biting time left in the season and with birds confirmed positive for the virus in our area as well as in other jurisdictions in Ontario, you need to continue to take steps to protect yourself and your family.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes that become infected with the virus by feeding on infected birds. Anyone who lives in an area where there are mosquitoes infected with WNv may be at risk of acquiring this illness. Although most people will not become sick if bitten by an infected mosquito, WNv can cause severe illness in some people, and on rare occasions, death. Those at greatest risk of severe illness are people over the age of 50 and people with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems.

Because there is no way of predicting how widespread WNv will be in a given year, protection from mosquito bites remains the best way to avoid the virus. Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn. If you are outdoors when there are mosquitoes, wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and long pants and use an insect repellent.

When using any type of insect repellent, use it only when needed and follow the directions, paying careful attention to use on young children, and the number of times the repellent can be used in a day. The concentration of DEET should be no greater than 30 per cent for adults, no more than 10 per cent for children and should not be used on children under six months old. Check the label for more detailed information or ask your pharmacist for help.

There are several approved and federally registered DEET-free repellents, but they provide a much shorter time of protection, so read and follow the directions. For more detailed information check the fact sheets by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency at www.pmra-arla.gc.ca.

When you apply repellent, less is more. The repellent doesn’t have to be applied heavily to be effective — a light coating will do. Use the repellent on exposed skin or on top of clothing. Do not use under clothing.

Personal protection is only one step in the fight against mosquito bites. By eliminating breeding sites around your home, adult mosquito numbers can be reduced, which can then reduce your risk of being bitten by a mosquito. Keep grass cut and trim shrubs and bushes; change the birdbath water weekly; don’t let water accumulate in tires and tire swings; empty buckets, wheelbarrows and pots; keep eavestroughs and rain gutters clean; and drain plastic covers on lawn chairs and other outdoor equipment weekly.

For more information on ways to protect your family from WNv, call Your Health Connection at 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520) between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and speak with a public health professional, or visit the website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Dr. Jim Pfaff is an associate medical officer of health, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.