First batch of West Nile Virus mosquitoes found this week in Burlington

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Published September 1, 2022 at 4:32 pm

mosquito west nile virus burlington oakville milton halton

A batch of mosquitoes has tested positive this week for West Nile Virus in Burlington.

This is the sixth batch of WNV positive mosquitoes for Halton this year. The other batches that tested positive included four in Oakville and one in Milton.

Urban areas are more likely to have mosquitoes that carry WNV as the types of mosquitoes that transmit WNV to humans usually breed in areas such as bird baths, plant pots, old toys and tires that hold water.

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

  • Cover up when going outside between dusk and dawn, when most mosquitoes feed
  • Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric
  • 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
  • Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin.
  • Make sure your window and door screens are tight and without holes, cuts or other openings

Most individuals infected with WNV do not develop any symptoms while some may develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.

The majority of these individuals will recover completely but a few of them can go on to develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).

Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and individuals over 50 years of age are at higher risk for severe disease.

Locations of standing water sites that have had larvicide applied this year are available on the West Nile virus page.

For more information about West Nile virus or to report standing water at public facilities, please call 311 or email [email protected].

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