West Nile virus positive mosquitoes found in Halton Region

A batch of mosquitoes collected last week in Oakville has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first batch of positive mosquitoes found in Halton Region this year. The mosquitoes were collected from the area of Cornwall and Morrison Roads in the Town of Oakville.

“Positive WNV mosquito test results are the key indicator of increased risk of West Nile virus infection,” said Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “Several other GTA regions have reported West Nile virus activity already. It is important that Halton residents keep taking precautions to prevent exposure to mosquito bites including covering up, avoiding peak mosquito activity times of dusk to dawn, and wearing insect repellent with DEET.”

Mosquitoes can transmit WNV to humans after becoming infected by feeding on 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 mosquito pools, as well as standing water sites that have had larvicide applied are available on the Health Department’s website at www.halton.ca/wnv.

To report standing water or for more information about West Nile virus, please dial 311 or call Halton Region at 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866), TTY 905-827-9833, or e-mail wnv@halton.ca.

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