West Nile virus found in batches of Mississauga mosquitos
Posted July 31, 2015 3:19 pm.
Last Updated July 31, 2015 4:09 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It’s time to break out the mosquito repellant.
According to Peel public health officials, two batches of mosquitoes collected in Mississauga this week have tested positive for the West Nile virus.
The virus, which is spread by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds, has already been found in other regions of Ontario, but these are the first to be found in the Region of Peel.
“Other regions in Ontario reported positive batches earlier this summer, so it’s no surprise that we have now found a positive batch here in Peel,” Paul Callanan, Peel’s director of environmental health, told the Mississauga News.
So far in 2015, there have been two confirmed cases in Ontario – one in Niagara and one in Waterloo. In 2012, there were two deaths in Ontario linked to West Nile virus. In 2014, one person died to symptoms attributed to the disease.
According to Ontario Health and Wellness, 80 percent of people bitten by infected mosquitoes will not show any symptoms. Others show symptoms similar to the flu, with fever, nausea, head aches and a rash on the chest, stomach or back.
Only about 1 of 150 people bitten will have a serious reaction that includes numbness and tremors, and could lead to death.
People are advised to avoid areas of high mosquito concentrations, use repellants and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid bites.
“Residents can take simple steps to reduce the risk of West Nile virus and exposure to mosquitos,” said Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “Cover up when heading outside, especially during dusk and dawn and eliminate standing water around your property to reduce mosquito breeding.”
If you think you may have contracted the virus, contact your doctor immediately, or contact Telehealth Ontario toll free at 1-866-797-0000.
