Health officials in Huron Perth, Ontario have confirmed the first human case of locally acquired West Nile virus (WNV) for the year, leading to a reminder for residents to guard against mosquito bites.
Image/CDC
“While the overall risk to the public remains low, this is a timely reminder that West Nile virus activity typically increases in late summer and early fall,” says Dr. Lauren Hayward, physician consultant at Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH). “We encourage residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. If you are spending time outdoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitos are most active, use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants.”
HPPH noted its first two positive mosquito pools in August this year. As part of its annual mosquito surveillance program, HPPH has been trapping and testing mosquitoes across Huron and Perth since June 16, 2025. To help limit mosquito breeding and minimize the risk of potential WNV transmission, larvicide is applied to roadside catch basins in Stratford, St. Marys, Listowel and Mitchell throughout the summer.
As per Public Health Ontario data, there have been 61 confirmed human cases of WNV reported across the province as of September 7, 2025.
Not everyone bitten by an infected mosquito will show symptoms of the virus. Among those who do show symptoms, most will experience mild illness such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or rash on the chest, stomach or back.
About one in 150 people infected may become seriously ill with symptoms including high fever, muscle weakness, vision loss and coma. WNV can be fatal.
Symptoms usually appear between two to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Individuals over age 50 are at greater risk for WNV infection along with those with weakened immune systems.
You can protect yourself from mosquito bites by:
Using an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin while outdoors. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Dressing in light-colored clothing that includes long sleeves and pants when outside or in areas with high mosquito activity.
Taking extra precautions during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Removing standing water around your home at least once a week to decrease places where mosquitoes can breed.
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Not everyone bitten by an infected mosquito will show symptoms of the virus. Among those who do show symptoms, most will experience mild illness such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or rash on the chest, stomach or back.
About one in 150 people infected may become seriously ill with symptoms including high fever, muscle weakness, vision loss and coma. WNV can be fatal.
Symptoms usually appear between two to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Individuals over age 50 are at greater risk for WNV infection along with those with weakened immune systems.
You can protect yourself from mosquito bites by:
Using an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin while outdoors. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Dressing in light-colored clothing that includes long sleeves and pants when outside or in areas with high mosquito activity.
Taking extra precautions during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Removing standing water around your home at least once a week to decrease places where mosquitoes can breed.
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