Durham Region Health Department is reporting that adult mosquitoes collected in Ajax and Pickering have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), bringing the total number of positive mosquito batches in the region this season to six.
According to the Health Department, two positive mosquito batches have been identified in Clarington, two in Oshawa, and now one each in Ajax and Pickering. The most recent batches were collected from department-operated mosquito trap sites as part of routine weekly surveillance conducted from June to September.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. These mosquitoes become carriers after feeding on birds that carry the virus. The virus cannot be spread through person-to-person or bird-to-person contact.
While the risk of infection remains low, the Health Department encourages residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, particularly during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Suggested measures include:
Wearing shoes, socks, and light-coloured long-sleeved clothing when outdoors
Using insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin
Eliminating standing water around the home to reduce mosquito breeding areas
Ensuring door and window screens are intact to keep mosquitoes out
Durham Region continues to reduce mosquito populations through larvicide treatments in regional catch basins and stagnant water locations.
For further information, the region advised residents to contact the Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or visit durham.ca/WestNile.
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