Durham Region Health Department says mosquitoes collected in Whitby have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNv).
This marks the 19th batch of mosquitoes to test positive in the region this season, including four in Clarington, seven in Oshawa, three in Ajax, four in Pickering and one in Whitby. The latest batch was collected from a Health Department mosquito trap site in Whitby.
The Health Department operates mosquito traps across Durham and submits samples for weekly testing between June and September.
WNv is a mosquito-borne disease spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, which contracts the virus by feeding on an infected bird. The illness cannot be transmitted from person to person, nor from birds to humans.
Most people who contract WNv will experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or a rash. More severe symptoms may include muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, numbness, and sensitivity to light. Symptoms typically appear two to 15 days after being bitten.
Although the overall risk remains low, Durham Region Health Department recommends residents take precautions to reduce mosquito exposure:
Wear shoes, socks, and light-coloured clothing, including long sleeves and pants, especially during dusk and dawn.
Use insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin, following Health Canada safety guidelines.
Remove standing water around properties to limit mosquito breeding sites.
Keep window and door screens in good repair to block mosquitoes from entering homes.
Durham Region also treats catch basins and other stagnant water areas with larvicide to help reduce mosquito populations.
For more information about West Nile virus, residents can call the Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729, or visit durham.ca/WestNile.
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