Brampton has first West Nile virus positive mosquitoes of the season

Brampton | Caledon | Mississauga | Health | Latest News |

By

Published August 9, 2022 at 1:47 pm

The first West Nile virus positive mosquitoes of 2022 have been found in Brampton.

According to a statement from Peel Region today (Aug. 9), the mosquitos were collected from three traps near the Brampton intersections of Chinguacousy Road/Williams Parkway, Hurontario Street/Steeles Avenue, and The Gore Road/Cottrelle Boulevard.

Peel Public Health currently monitors for West Nile virus through 33 mosquito traps set across Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon.

At this time, no human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed this year in Peel.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that may be passed to humans via a bite from an infected mosquito. Virus symptoms usually develop between two and 14 days after a person is bitten.

Most people who contract the disease will show no symptoms, and approximately 20 per cent will experience mild flu-like symptoms. In very rare cases (fewer than one per cent) the infection can cause more severe symptoms including severe headache or confusion.

The Region says risk of infection is low but encourages residents to protect themselves by:

  • Applying a Health Canada approved insect repellent containing an ingredient effective against mosquitoes, such as DEET or icaridin, to exposed skin and clothing. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Wearing light-colored, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes, and socks to protect exposed skin.
  • Avoiding shaded or wooded areas with high mosquito populations and take extra precautions during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Ensuring all windows and door screens fit securely and are free of tears and holes.

“Peel residents can also help prevent mosquito bites by removing or draining items on their property that hold stagnant water,” says the Region. “Water that is stagnant for more than seven days is an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes.”

Stagnant water sites can be reported to Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or online.

RELATED: First case of West Nile Virus in Halton found in Oakville mosquitoes

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising