West Nile virus present in Durham Region

The Durham Region Health Department has received notification that a batch of adult mosquitoes collected in Clarington have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This brings the total to 13 batches of mosquitoes that have tested positive for WNV in Durham Region so far this season; previous positive mosquito batches were found in Ajax and Oshawa in July.

The current positive batch of mosquitoes was collected from one of the Health Department’s mosquito trap sites located in Clarington. Every week between June and September, the Health Department sets mosquito traps across the region and submits mosquitoes for laboratory testing.

WNV is a mosquito-borne disease that is spread to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on the blood of a bird that carries the virus. The disease is not passed from person to person, nor from bird to person. Most people who contract the virus will experience mild illness including fever, headache, body. Symptoms usually develop between two and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Although the risk of becoming infected is low, the Health Department recommends that residents take precautions to minimize the risk of mosquito bites and the possibility of being infected with WNV, such as wearing shoes, socks, long sleeve tops and full-length pants when outside, especially at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Also, use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin (picardin) on exposed skin, following Health Canada’s safety tips on using personal insect repellents.

Remove standing water from your property where mosquitoes can breed.

For more information on WNV, please call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729, or visit durham.ca/WestNile.