The Halton Region has found West Nile in Milton.
A batch of mosquitos were trapped this week that tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first WNV case for Milton this year. Two batches had been found in Burlington earlier this month.
“Halton is committed to reducing West Nile virus in our communities through both education and preventative programs like larviciding,” says 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.”
WNV is more likely to be found in urban areas. The types of mosquitoes that transmit WNV to humans most commonly breed in things like bird baths, plant pots, old toys, and tires that hold water.
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; and,
- Make sure your window and door screens are tight and without holes, cuts or other openings.
Locations of standing water sites that have had larvicide applied this year is available on the West Nile Virus page on halton.ca.
For more information about West Nile virus or to report standing water at public facilities, visit halton.ca, call 311 or email wnv@halton.ca.
