Toronto and Peel Public Health issue public warning following West Nile virus find

Thestar.com
July 27, 2021

Warnings have been issued after mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus were confirmed in Toronto and Peel Region.

Toronto Public Health and Peel Public Health issued statements on Friday warning of the virus, transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

The Peel cases were confirmed in mosquitoes collected in Brampton, near Chinguacousy Road and Williams Parkway, and Queen Street East and West Drive.

In Toronto, 22 traps are set once a week across the city to collect mosquitoes and submit them to a laboratory for identification of the virus. In 2020, a total of 39 positive mosquito pools were reported.

Toronto’s medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, said the risk of infection “continues to be low” in Toronto, adding that “we’re taking this opportunity to share some simple steps residents can take to further reduce their potential risk when enjoying the outdoors this summer.”

Toronto Public Health issued the following precautions:

• Wear light-coloured clothing, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors.
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin.
• Take extra care during peak mosquito-biting hours.
• Make sure your home has tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.
• Remove standing water from your property, where mosquitoes can breed.
• Symptoms usually develop between two and 14 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. Older individuals or individuals with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. Anyone with concerns should contact their health care provider.