West Nile Virus Found in Burlington Mosquitoes

Published August 10, 2017 at 9:24 pm

If you’re concerned about West Nile Virus (WNV), you might want to take extra precautions while out and about in Burlington.

If you’re concerned about West Nile Virus (WNV), you might want to take extra precautions while out and about in Burlington.

Two batches of mosquitoes trapped in the city have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), making them first confirmed samples in Halton this year.

This brings the total in Halton Region to seven so far this year — four batches tested positive in Oakville, while one batch tested positive in Milton.

The Halton Region health department “works diligently to reduce the risk of West Nile virus in our community through both education and preventative programs such as larviciding,” said acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Julie Emilie.

Urban areas are more likely to have mosquitoes carrying WNV.

The types of mosquitoes that transmit WNV to humans most commonly breed in urban areas, typically in places holding water such as bird baths, plant pots, old toys, and tires.

Residents can take the following steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:

  • Cover up. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric.
  • Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin.
  • Avoid being outdoors from early evening to morning when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, as well as at any time in shady, wooded areas.
  • Make sure your window and door screens are tight and without holes, cuts or other openings.
  • Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects, where possible. Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.

A map showing the locations of standing water sites that have had larvicide applied this year is available here.

Residents can phone 311 or e-mail [email protected] to report standing water at public facilities.

 

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising