More WNV activity in Halton: first positive mosquitoes

Two batches of mosquitoes collected last week in Oakville have tested positive for West Nile virus. These are the first positive mosquitoes found in Halton Region this year. The mosquitoes were collected from the areas of Cornwall and Chartwell Roads, and Fourth Line and Rebecca Street, both in the Town of Oakville.

“The finding of West Nile virus in mosquitoes is an indicator of increasing risk of illness in humans,” said Dr. Monir Taha, Halton Region’s Associate Medical Officer of Health. “Summer still has some time to go. Halton residents need to keep taking precautions like covering up, avoiding peak mosquito activity times and wearing insect repellent with DEET.”

So far this year, one bird in Burlington and five birds in Oakville tested positive for WNV.

Mosquitoes can transmit WNV to humans after becoming infected by feeding on the blood of birds carrying the virus. The following are steps that residents can take to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:

• Cover up. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric.
• Avoid being outdoors in the early evening to morning. This is when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, as well as at any time in shady, wooded areas.
• Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects. Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.
• Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET.

Maps showing the locations of positive birds and mosquito pools, as well as standing water sites that have had larvicide applied are available on the Health Department’s website.

To report a dead bird or standing water, or for more information about West Nile virus, please call Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866), TTY 905-827-9833 or email wnv@halton.ca.

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