Three pools in Brampton positive for WNV

August 22, 2014 · 0 Comments

Peel Public Health reports three pools in Brampton tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) last week.
That brings to four the number found so far this year in Peel Region. The other was earlier in the year in Mississauga. There have been no human cases of the illness reported this year in Peel, although there’s been one probable case in the area of the Simcoe/Muskoka District Health Unit.
The adult mosquito surveillance program started June 16. Adult mosquitoes are to be collected weekly from traps at 31 fixed locations throughout the region until late September. To date, 369 mosquito batches have been tested, with the four positive results.
Health officials received six stagnant water reports from Peel residents last week.
The larviciding program started June 2 and will continue until Sept. 30. Larviciding involves applying environmentally friendly products to reduce mosquito larvae living in stagnant water. The products are applied to municipal catch basins and selected sites on public property.
The third and final round of roadside catch basin larviciding began Aug. 11. The third round is indicated by a pink dot on the catch basin grate. It takes approximately three weeks to complete a round of larviciding.
Larviciding of catch basins in the green spaces of parks in Peel is complete. The treatment of surface water sites on public lands is ongoing.
The Region has a number of tips to reduce the risk of being infected with WNV.
They include removing stagnant water on properties. Empty or dispose of containers that can hold water, such as old tires, wheelbarrows, barrels, pails, toys and recycling bins; and turn over wading pools, remove water that collects on pool covers and make sure the pool’s pump is circulating
To avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, wear light-coloured clothing, including long sleeves, long pants, socks and a hat if going outdoors, even if it’s just out to the backyard, especially at dusk or dawn. Use an insect repellent and apply it according to the manufacturer’s directions.