Whitby, Ontario – The Durham Region Health Department has been informed that several groups of adult mosquitoes collected in Pickering and Whitby have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This raises the total to 21 groups of mosquitoes that have shown WNV in Durham Region this season; earlier positive mosquito samples were detected in Ajax, Clarington, and Oshawa.
The current infected batches were gathered from the Health Department’s mosquito traps located in Pickering and Whitby. Each week from June through September, the Health Department sets mosquito traps across the region and sends samples for lab testing.
WNV is a disease spread by mosquitoes that can infect humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. These mosquitoes become carriers after feeding on birds that harbor the virus. The illness does not spread between people or directly from birds to people. Most individuals who get the virus will experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and rashes on the chest, stomach, or back. More severe symptoms can include muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, numbness, and sudden light sensitivity. Symptoms typically appear within two to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
While the chances of infection are low, the Health Department suggests that residents take these precautions to reduce their risk of mosquito bites and potential WNV infection:
Wear shoes, socks and light-coloured clothing-including long sleeve tops and full-length pants when outside-especially at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin (picardin) on exposed skin while following Health Canada’s safety tips on using personal insect repellents. Eliminate any standing water around your property where mosquitoes might breed. Ensure window and door screens are well-maintained to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
The Health Department works to control mosquito populations by treating catch basins throughout Durham Region as well as other stagnant water areas with larvicides to help minimize breeding. For more information about WNV, please contact the Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729, or visit durham. ca/West Nile.
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