Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus found in Mississauga and Brampton

Six mosquito traps collected in Mississauga and Brampton this week have tested positive for West Nile virus, Peel Public Health officials said Friday afternoon.

Health officials said in their latest West Nile activity update via email that four of the traps were located in Mississauga and two in Brampton.

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus can transmit it to humans. It can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches and rashes in a relatively small number of people.

In Mississauga, the traps that tested positive were collected near the intersections of:

• Bancroft Drive and Mavis Road
• Dixie Road and Lakeshore Road East
• Burnhamthorpe Road West and Mississauga Road
• Fieldgate Drive and Bloor Street

In Brampton, West Nile-positive traps were collected at:

• Williams Parkway and Chinguacousy Road
• Cottrelle Boulevard and The Gore Road

Health officials say people can contract WNV when bitten by infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes pick up the infection when they bite infected birds.

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The health agency says most people infected with the virus do not experience any symptoms, but minor symptoms can occur in some people within three to 15 days of being bitten.

Rarely (about one in 15o cases), people infected with West Nile might experience more serious symptoms, including neck stiffness, muscle weakness and confusion. People who are over 50 or immunocompromised are more likely to experience more severe symptoms, health officials note.

Deaths from the virus are uncommon and most people will recover without any treatment.

Anyone very sick with what they believe to be WNV should contact their doctor.

Symptoms such as swelling or pain on or around a bite do not indicate WNV, but could signify an infection and should be evaluated by a doctor.

To avoid infection, or mosquito bites in general, Peel Public Health recommends:

• avoiding places with high mosquito populations
• covering as much exposed skin as possible
• using insect repellant
• checking your home to be sure mosquitoes cannot easily get inside
• ensuring there is no still or standing water around your property (which will attract the insects)

For more information on WNV, visit the Peel website and search for West Nile virus.