Mosquito traps test positive for West Nile virus in Mississauga and Brampton
Published September 13, 2023 at 12:24 pm
In an update shared with residents today (Sept. 13), Peel Region has confirmed that several more mosquito traps have tested positive for West Nile virus in Mississauga and Brampton.
Mosquitoes caught in three traps have tested positive for the virus at the following locations:
- Atwater Avenue and Cawthra Road, Mississauga
- Derry Road East and Airport Road, Mississauga
- Cottrelle Boulevard and The Gore Road, Brampton
The Region monitors mosquito traps during the summer in order to check for West Nile virus, which can potentially spread to humans from infected mosquitoes.
On Sept. 1, a Mississauga resident was confirmed to be this year’s first human case of West Nile virus in Peel. No further details about the resident were shared.
While most people who contract the disease will show no symptoms, some will experience mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body ache, a mild rash and swollen lymph glands, according to public health officials.
“In rare cases, persons infected with (the virus) will develop a more severe form of the disease,” health officials say. “People over 50 and those with a compromised immune system are at the highest risk of becoming severely ill when infected with West Nile virus.”
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Mosquitoes collected in Peel began to test positive for the virus beginning in mid-July and activity in mosquitoes has been higher than the historical average, officials note.
Health officials encourage people to protect themselves from mosquito bites by, among other measures:
- applying an approved insect repellent containing an ingredient effective against mosquitoes, such as DEET or icaridin
- avoiding areas with large mosquito populations and take extra precautions between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
- wearing light-coloured, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks to protect exposed skin
- making sure all window and door screens fit securely and are free of tears and holes
- ensuring that openings to rain barrels are always covered with a fine screen mesh
- removing or draining items on your property that hold stagnant water