A pool of mosquitoes in Cambridge has tested positive for the West Nile virus.

Region of Waterloo Public Health authorities say it’s an indication that the virus is present in the region and people should take extra precautions to protect themselves.

Most people who contract the virus only develop minor flu-like symptoms. But in some cases, it can be much worse.

“People can develop encephalitis and meningitis,” says Brenda Miller, manager of infection control for Public Health. “For some people it can result in death.”

Miller recommends people shorten their time outdoors when mostquitoes are most active, primariliy during dusk and dawn.

Some other recommendations by Public Health:

  • Wear light-coloured, tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, pants and a hat.
  • Apply a repellant containing DEET. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and never use a concentration higher than needed for the time you plan to spend outdoors. Eucalyptus plant compounds and soybean oil are other alternatives. (The use of DEET on a child under the age of six months is not recommended.)
  • Make sure that door and window screens fit tightly and have no holes that would allow mosquitoes to enter.

Adventure Guide in Waterloo sells several products to help with mosquitoes but say their biggest seller is bug spray.

“If you’re using an aerosol,” advises Ashley Davis-Annett, “apply directly to the skin and then use your hand to rub it around the areas of your skin that are exposed.”

Public Health is also asking homeowners to look around their property to see if it’s a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes:

  • Eliminate standing water on your property to reduce places where mosquitoes can breed including water in bird baths, eaves troughs, and flower pot saucers.
  • Don’t allow outdoor objects to collect water.
  • Cover rain barrels with a fine mesh screen.
  • Change water in birdbaths and livestock watering tanks at least once a week.
  • Don’t allow water to collect in roadside ditches or in low lying areas on your property.
  • Clean up brush and debris that could act as mosquito breeding areas

West Nile has also been found in other communities across Ontario.

At least two human cases have been reported, though not in Waterloo Region.

This is the first positive result for the region this year.