Durham Region Health Department says mosquitoes in Uxbridge have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNv).<\/p>\n
This season, 26 mosquito batches across Durham have tested positive for the virus, including five in Clarington, nine in Oshawa, four in Ajax, six in Pickering, one in Whitby, and one in Uxbridge. The latest positive batch was collected from the Health Department\u2019s mosquito trap site in Uxbridge.<\/p>\n
The Health Department sets mosquito traps across the region and submits mosquitoes for testing each week from June through September.<\/p>\n
West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes contract the virus after feeding on infected birds. The virus is not spread from person to person, nor from birds directly to people.<\/p>\n
Most people who contract the virus experience mild illness such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and rash. More severe symptoms can include muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, numbness, and sudden sensitivity to light. Symptoms typically develop two to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.<\/p>\n
While the risk of infection is low, Durham Region Health Department advises residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including:<\/p>\n
Wearing shoes, socks, and light-coloured long clothing, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Durham Region also treats catch basins and stagnant water sites with larvicide to reduce mosquito breeding.<\/p>\n For more information, residents can call the Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729, or visit durham.ca\/WestNile<\/a>.<\/p>\n You May Also Wish To Read<\/p>\n Free trees available for Oshawa residents this September<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n MPP calls for express, electrification of Lakeshore East GO<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Activists want a Durham homelessness plan \u2013 NOW<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Clarington takes Elexicon revenue out of operating budget<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nUsing insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin, following Health Canada guidelines<\/a>.
\nRemoving standing water around properties where mosquitoes can breed.
\nEnsuring window and door screens are in good repair.<\/p>\n