Mosquitos in York Region test positive for West Nile Virus

Medical officer of health advises residents to take precautions after a mosquito trap in Markham tested positive for the virus

Newmarkettoday.ca
August 10, 2020

The Regional Municipality of York monitors West Nile virus activity by setting mosquito traps and testing for West Nile virus. To date, one mosquito trap in the City of Markham has tested positive for West Nile virus. The positive trap is located near the intersection of Warden Avenue and Highway 7.

“West Nile virus can be passed through the bite of an infected mosquito and may cause serious illness,” said Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “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.”

To protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus, follow these simple steps:

• Remove mosquito-friendly areas at home
• Clean up stagnant water found in bird baths, flower pots, swimming pool covers and clogged eavestroughs
• Ensure window screens on your home are tight-fitting and in good repair
• Cover up while outside
• Use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin; check the label directions for use
• Wear protective clothing, including socks, long-sleeved shirts and jackets
• Dress in lighter colours, if possible, as mosquitoes are attracted to darker colours
• Minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active

As part of York Region’s 2020 West Nile virus control plan, York Region Public Health investigates human cases, conducts surveillance and educates residents on self-protection.

York Region Public Health 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.

Watch the Fight the Bite video to learn more about symptoms and how to protect yourself from West Nile virus.

To review the current status of West Nile virus in Ontario, visit: publichealthontario.ca/en/DataAndAnalytics/Pages/WNV.aspx

For more information on West Nile virus, contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-512-6228 or visit york.ca/westnile 

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 54,000 businesses with 650,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices.