Toronto Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus: TPH Urges Precautions
TORONTO – Toronto Public Health (TPH) has announced that a batch of mosquitoes collected in Toronto has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). These are the first mosquitoes to test positive for WNV in the city this year.
TPH conducts an annual mosquito surveillance program from mid-June to mid-September. Each week, 22 mosquito traps are set up across Toronto to collect samples, which are then sent to a laboratory for identification and testing.
Despite the current low risk of WNV infection in Toronto, TPH advises residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites:
- Clothing: Wear light-coloured clothing, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors.
- Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent as directed by the manufacturer. Visit Health Canada’s approved insect repellents webpage for more information. Use repellent and cover up, especially at dusk and dawn.
- Home Protection: Ensure homes have tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.
- Standing Water: Remove standing water from properties where mosquitoes can breed, such as in pool covers, buckets, planters, toys, and waste containers.
WNV symptoms typically appear between two and 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph glands. Individuals over 50 and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
For more information about WNV and ways to reduce the risk of infection, visit the City’s West Nile virus webpage.
SOURCE City of Toronto
