Batch of mosquitoes in Burlington test positive for West Nile Virus

A batch of mosquitoes trapped this week in Burlington has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), Halton Region said.

This is the first batch of WNV positive mosquitoes for Halton this year, the Region said.

Halton is committed to reducing West Nile virus in our communities through both education and preventative programs like larviciding," said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. Until the hard frosts of fall set in, Halton residents should continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites and remove mosquito breeding sites."

Urban areas are more likely to have mosquitoes that carry West Nile as the types of mosquitoes that transmit it to humans most commonly breed in urban areas such as bird baths, plant pots, old toys, and tires that hold water, the Region said.

Residents can take the following steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:

Cover up. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric.

Avoid being outdoors from early evening to morning when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, as well as at any time in shady, wooded areas.

Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects, where possible.

Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.

Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin.

Make sure your window and door screens are tight and without holes, cuts or other openings.