Health Department reports more West Nile virus positive mosquitoes

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region Health Department has received notification of more adult mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus (WNV), with positive mosquitoes reported from two trap sites.

Confirmation of the latest positive mosquitoes was received on September 9. The mosquitoes were collected from two of the Health Department’s trap sites; one located in Oshawa and the other in Ajax. Positive batches of mosquitoes previously collected in Ajax were reported on August 18 and 25. This brings the total number of batches of mosquitoes testing positive for WNV in Durham Region to 11 so far this season.

The Health Department cautions that with positive test results, even though the nights are getting cooler, it’s important for area residents to take precautions against WNV by avoiding mosquito bites and removing standing water from their properties.

WNV is a mosquito-borne disease that is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on the blood of a bird that carries the virus. The disease is not passed from person to person or from bird to person.

Most people who contract the virus will experience mild illness including fever, headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting, and rash on the chest, stomach or back. More serious symptoms can include muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, numbness and sudden sensitivity to light. Symptoms usually develop between two and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Although the risk of becoming infected is low, residents should still take the following precautions to minimize the risk of mosquito bites and the possibility of being infected with WNV:

• Wear shoes, socks and light-coloured clothing, including long sleeve tops and full-length pants when outside, especially at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin on exposed skin, following Health Canada’s safety tips on using personal insect repellents.
• Remove standing water from your property where mosquitoes can breed.
• Ensure that window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Durham Region Health Department sets mosquito traps across the Region and submits mosquitoes for laboratory testing every week between June and September. In addition, Regional catch basins and other stagnant water sites are treated with a larvicide to reduce mosquito breeding. For more information on WNV, please call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729, or visit durham.ca/westnile

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For more information, please contact the Health Department.