York region records first mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus after Halton
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York Region Public Health says two mosquito traps in Markham at Warden Ave. and Hwy. 7 East and Kennedy Rd. and 16th Ave. have tested positive for West Nile virus.
They are the first positive mosquito traps reported in York Region this summer.
The YRPH monitors West Nile virus activity by setting mosquito traps and testing for West Nile virus, which is an infection that can spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.
York Region Public Health uses larvicides in catch basins to control mosquito breeding along regional and municipal roads and other stagnant public water sources, including roadside ditches, and monitors mosquitoes for West Nile virus weekly and investigates reported human cases.
For more information on West Nile virus, please contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY 711 or visit york.ca/WestNile
Halton Region reported first batch of West Nile virus positive mosquitoes earlier this month
Back on July 2, one batch of mosquitoes trapped that week in Halton Region tested positive for West Nile virus and was also the first batch for Halton this year.
Halton Region said urban areas are more likely to have mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus and the types of mosquitoes that transmit it to humans most commonly breed in urban areas such as bird baths, plant pots, old toys and tires that hold water.
Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms, while some may develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
Most people with West Nile Virus recover but others can develop serious illness
The majority of individuals will recover completely, but a few may go on to develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).
Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and individuals over 50 years of age are at higher risk for severe disease.
To learn more about personal protection and Halton Region’s surveillance and control efforts, please visit our West Nile Virus webpage on halton.ca. To report standing water on public property, call 311.
Otherwise, to protect yourself from mosquito bites and West Nile virus, follow these steps:
– Get rid of mosquito-friendly areas at home
– Clean up standing water from your property where mosquitoes can breed, for example, in bird baths, flowerpots, swimming pool covers and clogged eavestroughs
– Ensure window screens in your home are tight-fitting and in good repair
– Cover up while outside
– Use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin – check label directions for use
– Wear light-coloured protective clothing, including pants and long-sleeved shirts
– Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn (when most mosquitoes feed), and at any time in shady, wooded areas.