Toronto/CMEDIA: Three mosquito batches collected in the city of Toronto reportedly have tested positive for West Nile virus, marking the first positive findings this year, Toronto Public Health (TPH) has confirmed.
Humans get West Nile virus transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Annual mosquito surveillance are conducted by TPH from mid-June until mid-September.
22 mosquito traps are set up across the city each week, which are then sent to a laboratory for identification.
Grouped into batches, these mosquitoes are also known as pools and tested for the virus.
Although Toronto poses a low risk of getting infected with West Nile virus, TPH advises residents to take the following precautions to avoid bites from mosquitoes:
- Wear light-coloured clothing, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors.
- Apply insect repellent approved by Health Canada and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Take extra care at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active by using repellent and covering exposed skin.
- Ensure windows and doors have tight-fitting screens.
- Eliminate standing water on your property, where mosquitoes can breed. This includes water that collects in items such as buckets, planters, pool covers, toys and waste containers.
Typically developing between two and 14 days after a bite from an infected mosquito, symptoms of West Nile virus may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes.
Individuals over the age of 50 or those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe illness. Anyone experiencing symptoms is encouraged to contact a health care provider.
More information about West Nile virus and how to protect yourself is available on the City’s West Nile virus webpage.
