Mosquitos in Vaughan trap test positive for West Nile virus
Trap located at intersection of Weston, Rutherford roads
Yorkregion.com
August 16, 2019
Teresa Latchford
York Region Public Health has confirmed mosquitoes in York Region have tested positive for West Nile virus.
York Region monitors West Nile virus activity by setting mosquito traps and testing on a regular basis. One mosquito trap in the City of Vaughan recently tested positive for the virus. The trap in question is located at Weston and Rutherford roads.
"West Nile virus is passed to humans if they are bitten by an infected mosquito and can cause serious illness," York Region’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Karim Kurji, said. "Although the chance of being bitten by an infected mosquito is rare, residents are advised to take precautions when outside in the early morning and evening to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the chance of getting West Nile virus."
Kurji recommends protecting yourself and family from the virus by following these steps:
- Get rid of mosquito-friendly areas around your home by cleaning up stagnant water found in bird baths, flower pots, swimming pool covers and clogged eavestroughs; and
- Cover up while outside, use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin, wear protective clothing, including socks, long-sleeved shirts and jackets, dress in lighter colours and minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
As part of York Region’s 2019 West Nile Virus Control Plan, public health educates residents on self-protection, investigates human cases and conducts surveillance.
York Region Public Health also uses larvicides in catch basins to control mosquito breeding along regional and municipal roads and other stagnant public water sources, including roadside ditches. Private backyard catch basins are treated upon request.
Residents can view the Fight the Bite video or find informational sheets at York.ca to learn more about symptoms and how to protect themselves.
For more information, residents can also call York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653.
