First case of West Nile virus found in Burlington, Oakville, Milton

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By Jeffrey Allen

September 5, 2023 at 5:08 pm

The season’s first confirmed case of West Nile virus has been found in Burlington, Milton, Oakville and Halton Hills.

“Halton Region Public Health works diligently to reduce the risk of West Nile virus in our community through both education and preventative programs such as larviciding,” said Dr. Deepika Lobo, Halton Region Acting Medical Officer of Health.

“Until the fall frost, Halton residents should continue to protect themselves and their families against mosquito bites and remove mosquito breeding sites.”

Lobo said about 80 per cent of people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms while others may develop a febrile illness consisting of fever, headache, muscle ache and a rash.

Few individuals may develop a 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).”

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

• Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn (when most mosquitoes feed), and at any time in shady, wooded areas. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly woven fabric.
• Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin.
• Reduce mosquito-breeding sites around their home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects. Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.
• Make sure window and door screens are tight and without holes, cuts or other openings.

Locations of standing water sites that have had larvicide applied this year, as well as more information, are available on the West Nile Virus page.