Mosquitos carrying West Nile discovered in Brampton

Published August 12, 2020 at 9:44 pm

In case the threat of COVID-19 wasn’t enough of an incentive to stay inside, mosquitos carrying West Nile virus have been identified in the Region of Peel.

In case the threat of COVID-19 wasn’t enough of an incentive to stay inside, mosquitos carrying West Nile virus have been identified in the Region of Peel.

The mosquitos were discovered in the area of Dixie Road and Lakeshore Road East, and Eglinton Avenue West and Ninth Line, in Mississauga; and Hurontario Street and Highway 407, the Gore Road and Cottrelle Boulevard, and North Park Drive and Torbram Road, in Brampton.

The Region monitors West Nile activity using 33 mosquito traps set across the cities of Mississauga, Brampton and the Town of Caledon—mosquitos are trapped and tested weekly for the virus.

While there have been confirmed cases of mosquitos carrying the virus, there have been no confirmed or probably cases of humans from the Region contracting the virus thus far this season.

“West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that is passed to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito. Although the likelihood of getting a West Nile virus infection is low, there are simple precautions that residents can take to protect themselves and their family against mosquito bites when outdoors.” Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health for the Region of Peel, said in a news release.

In order to prevent mosquito bites and help reduce the risk of contracting West Nile, residents are reminded to:

  • Apply a Health Canada approved insect repellent containing an ingredient effective against mosquitoes, such as DEET or icaridin, to exposed skin and clothing.
  • Avoid shaded or wooded areas with high mosquito populations and take extra precautions during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Wear light-colored, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks to protect exposed skin.
  • Ensure all windows and door screens fit securely and are free of tears and holes.
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