
West Nile Virus found by Southwestern Public Health
According to Southwestern Public Health, this is the first mosquito trap to produce a positive test in the Southwestern Public Health region in 2025, and the virus was detected as part of routine testing.
The health unit said traps are set up across Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas to monitor and test for the presence of West Nile Virus in the region.
Public health recommends removing standing water around your property to reduce mosquito breeding environments.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CTV News
10 minutes ago
- CTV News
Heat warning up for B.C.'s north coast, persisting until Tuesday
An Environment Canada map shows a heat warning in place for B.C.'s north coast. VICTORIA — Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the inland regions of British Columbia's north coast, saying there is a moderate risk to public health. It says daytime temperatures are expected to be near 30 degrees Celsius with overnight lows in the mid-teens. The weather office says the elevated temperatures are expected to persist until Tuesday night, returning to seasonal values on Wednesday. It says health risks are higher for seniors, people who live alone and those with pre-existing conditions including diabetes, heart disease and respiratory diseases. Environment Canada is encouraging family and friends to check on those who are at higher risk, noting people with mental illness, substance-use disorders and those with limited mobility may also be more vulnerable. It suggests people watch for the impacts of heat illness, including heavy sweating, rashes, cramps or fainting, and that they take steps to keep their house cool. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2025.


CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
WECHU warns of blue-green algae bloom
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) is issuing a precautionary notice to residents based on initial laboratory results of a blue-green algae bloom in the region. WECHU reports the bloom is in the Ruscom River in the area of Trepanier Road and Lakeshore Road 129, in between St. Joachim and Comber. While initial chemical analysis does not show the presence of Microcystin related toxins within the samples collected, toxicity may increase due to the algae identified in the bloom. The health unit said residents on the municipal drinking water system can continue to drink the water. Routine water testing is done by the municipal water treatment plant and at this time there are no concerns. 'As a reminder, wind and water conditions may move the blue-green algae bloom towards other areas. Residents and visitors are urged to take a cautious approach and protect themselves, their children, and their pets from potential health risks,' says Dr. Aloosh, Medical Officer of Health. Residents that use wells or cisterns that draw water directly from the Ruscom River in the area of Trepanier Road and Lakeshore Road 129 (such as private cottages with wells) are advised not to drink the water unless they are routinely testing for microcystins using a licensed lab and results show levels less than 1.5 ppb. What is blue-green algae? Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are microscopic organisms that occur naturally in freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers and streams in the late summer and early fall. They are usually present in low numbers but can rapidly increase in warm, shallow, undisturbed surface water that gets a lot of sun. When this happens, they can form blooms that discolour the water or produce floating scum on the surface of the water. These blooms can make the water appear bluish-green, can form solid looking clumps, and may contain toxins, called microcystins, that can be dangerous to human and animal health. Contact with microcystins can produce negative health effects in humans such as skin and eye irritations and if ingested can lead to headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.


CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Officer struck during traffic stop
As an Elgin County OPP officer recovers in hospital, well wishes are pouring in from police departments around the province.