8/1/2013 7:58:42 PM

July 24, 2013

Mosquitoes in Toronto test positive for West Nile Virus

Toronto Public Health (TPH) has received a lab report indicating mosquitoes in Toronto have tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is the first positive test for West Nile Virus in Toronto this year.

“This is a timely reminder to the public to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to remove standing water from their property where mosquitoes can breed," said Elaine Pacheco, Healthy Environments Manager for Toronto Public Health.

Although the risk of becoming infected is low, protection against mosquito bites can further reduce this risk. TPH reminds residents to take precautions now and throughout the summer to protect themselves from mosquito bites:
- Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks and a hat when outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use insect repellent approved by Health Canada and follow product instructions.
- Remove standing water from property where mosquitoes can breed.
- Maintain screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

TPH has 43 mosquito traps throughout the city and submits mosquitoes for laboratory testing every week. As part of the City of Toronto's West Nile Virus mosquito-reduction program, catch basins and other areas of standing water are treated with larvicide to reduce mosquito breeding.

West Nile Virus was first discovered in Toronto in 2001. In 2012, TPH reported 100 positive mosquito pools and 94 human cases.

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/health/westnile or by calling 416-338-7600.