A mosquito pool in Wheatley is the first in Chatham-Kent to test positive for West Nile Virus.

CK Public Health is reporting it has received laboratory confirmation that mosquitoes collected from a trap in Wheatley on Wednesday have tested positive for the virus.

Public health officials said this is the first positive pool identified in Chatham-Kent this season.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Many people infected with the virus experience no symptoms, but some may experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and fatigue.

In rare cases, infected individuals may experience more severe illness, including stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and paralysis.

Anyone with severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Older individuals and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.

CK Public Health said individuals can protect themselves by wearing light-coloured clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.

They can also use insect repellent containing DEET, stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn, ensure that all door and window screens are tight and free of holes, and eliminate sources of standing water on property to prevent mosquito breeding.

Click here for more information on West Nile Virus or call CK Public Health at 519-355-1071.