West Nile virus is showing up across Ontario. What to know about the risk
Public health officials in Ontario have detected West Nile virus in several mosquito pools and dead birds across the province. While no human cases have been reported locally, residents are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites.
Why it matters
Early detection of the virus serves as a seasonal health warning, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and preventative measures to avoid transmission.
Positive mosquito pools carrying West Nile virus have been detected in several Ontario communities and across Canada over the past week, prompting renewed reminders for residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Toronto, Windsor-Essex, Belleville, York Region and Halton Region have all reported positive mosquito pools this season, with public health officials saying the detections are an early sign the virus is circulating locally.
No human cases have been reported in those regions so far, but one person has tested positive while travelling outside of Canada.
Toronto Public Health has confirmed one batch of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus this season, while Windsor-Essex and the Belleville area have each identified one positive mosquito pool.
York Region has reported two positive mosquito traps and two positive mosquito pools, both in Markham, while Halton Region has reported two positive mosquito pools during the week of July 13 to 19.
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