West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes found in Mississauga

August 18, 2014 · 0 Comments

One mosquito batch collected recently in Mississauga has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).
The batch was collected near Lakeshore Road East and Dixie Road. This is the first batch to test positive for WNV in Peel in 2014.
“There are things residents can do now to help prevent West Nile Virus, including removing or draining items around their property that can hold stagnant water,” commented Peel’s Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa. “Water that is stagnant for over seven days is an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes. With residents’ help, we can reduce the mosquito population and reduce the risk of West Nile Virus infection in Peel.”
Peel Public Health urges residents to avoid areas with high mosquito populations; wear light-coloured clothing, including long sleeves, pants and a hat, to cover exposed skin, even in their own backyard; use an insect repellent and apply it according to the manufacturer’s directions; drain any areas of standing water on their property, including the removal of old tires, turning over pails, toys and wheelbarrows, frequently changing the water in birdbaths and keeping eavestroughs clear; and take extra precaution from dusk to dawn, when mosquito activity is higher — if possible, stay indoors.
“Signing up for email notifications on our website at peel-bugbite.ca is a great way for Peel residents to stay informed about WNV activity in the region,” de Villa observed. “By visiting the website, residents can also learn how to protect themselves from mosquito bites and report standing water.”
This year’s adult mosquito surveillance program started June 16. Adult mosquitoes will continue to be collected weekly from traps at 31 fixed locations throughout the Region until late September. To date, 141 mosquito batches have been tested, with the one positive result.
Peel Public Health received five stagnant water reports from residents last week.
There have been no human cases of WNV reported in Peel so far this year.
The larviciding program started June 2 and will continue until Sept. 30.
To date, there have been 55 human cases of WNV reported in the United States, including 15 in California and nine in South Dakota.
For more information about WNV, visit peel-bugbite.ca or call Peel Public Health at 905-584-2216.