The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is reminding residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites after mosquitoes collected in Barrie tested positive for West Nile virus.<\/p>\n
The virus was also recently detected in a bird and a horse in Simcoe Muskoka. Currently, no human cases have been confirmed in Simcoe Muskoka in 2026. However, the positive results are a timely reminder to take precautions against West Nile virus.<\/p>\n
West Nile virus circulates between birds and mosquitoes. People can be infected by a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. The risk is highest in late summer. The health unit recommends these steps to prevent mosquito bites:<\/p>\n
Use an\u00a0insect repellent<\/a>\u00a0approved for use in Canada and follow the label instructions.Wear light-coloured clothing and cover exposed skin with long sleeves, long pants, socks and a hat when mosquitoes are present.Remove standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding.Make sure window and door screens are in good condition to keep mosquitoes out.<\/p>\n Most people infected with West Nile virus do not get sick, but some can become seriously ill. Symptoms can include fever, muscle weakness, a stiff neck, confusion, a severe headache and sensitivity to light. In rare cases, the virus can lead to serious neurological illness. Anyone with symptoms should seek medical care.<\/p>\n The health unit monitors mosquitoes through trapping, testing and larval checks across Simcoe Muskoka during the summer.<\/p>\n For more information about West Nile virus, visit\u00a0smdhu.org\/WNv<\/a>.<\/p>\n From the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit<\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss out on Doppler!<\/p>\n