Mosquito batch from Mississauga tests positive for West Nile Virus

Mississauga.com
July 25, 2014

If you haven't broke out the insect repellent already, now's the time as Peel health officials say a mosquito batch collected in Mississauga tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

The Region of Peel issued a press release Friday (July 25) stating that the positive batch - the Region's first in 2014 - was found near the Lakeshore Rd. E. and Dixie Rd.

The agency says there are many ways residents can protect themselves from the potentially serious illness that is passed on to humans through a bite from an infected mosquito such as getting rid of stagnant water on their property.

"Water that is stagnant for over seven days is an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes," said Dr. Eileen de Villa, Peel's associate medical officer of health.

Residents are reminded to frequently change the water in their birdbaths and also remember to keep their eavestroughs clear to help reduce the mosquito population.

In addition to avoiding areas with high concentrations of the pesky insect, residents can also mitigate the risk of WNV infection by wearing light-coloured clothing that covers exposed skin (pants, long sleeves, etc.), use bug repellent and be especially careful during the hours of dusk and dawn when mosquito activity increases.

According to the agency's website, a person's reaction to WNV can vary from mild symptoms like fever, headache or fatigue that can only last a few days to "symptoms of a severe disease" such as coma, convulsions or paralysis.

Symptoms arise three to 15 days from the initial bite and people over age 50 with a weak immune system are most susceptible to becoming seriously ill from the virus.

So far this season there have been no reported human cases of WNV in Peel and the only probable human case reported in Ontario this season has been in the Muskoka area.

Peel residents can stay on top of WNV activity and learn more about the the virus by visiting peel-bugbite.ca.