Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus

With the warm summer weather also comes mosquitoes. While mosquitoes have always been pests, this year they also post a threat to our health. City Staff have informed me that a mosquito bearing the West Nile Virus has been found near our own ward, in the Birchmount and Sheppard area.

We urge all residents to take extra precautions when going out:
- Apply mosquito repellant to exposed skin
- Wear light coloured clothing
- Avoid being outdoors past dusk if possible
- Drain standing water where mosquitos can breed

For more information, see City's news release concerning mosquitoes below.

News Release

August 6, 2010

Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus

Toronto Public Health received laboratory reports today indicating that mosquitoes in Toronto have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the first WNV positive result for Toronto this year. Both Windsor and Peel Region have also found mosquitoes with the virus.

“The positive test result is a good reminder for the public to protect themselves from mosquito bites, and to reduce mosquito breeding grounds by draining standing water around your home,” said Dan Kartzalis, Manager of the West Nile Virus program for TPH.

Toronto Public Health has 43 mosquito traps throughout the city and sends mosquitoes for laboratory testing every week. Larvicides are also used in catch basins throughout the city to reduce the mosquito population.

Although the risk of becoming infected with WNV is low, the virus can lead to serious illness. The last human case of WNV in Toronto was in 2007. Prevention against bites is the best protection. The following measures are recommended:

• Use mosquito repellent approved by Health Canada.

• Wear light-coloured clothing and cover up when in areas where mosquitoes are present.

• Take extra precautions, especially in early morning and early evening, when mosquitoes are most active.

• Remove standing water around your home and property.

For more information, visit http://www.toronto.ca/health/westnile/ or call 416-338-7600.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.