NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGION
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The Regional Municipality of York monitors West Nile virus activity by setting mosquito traps and testing for West Nile virus (WNV). One mosquito trap in the City of Vaughan recently tested positive for WNV. The positive trap is located at Weston Road and Rutherford Road.
“West Nile virus is passed to humans if they are bitten by an infected mosquito and can cause serious illness,” said Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “Although the chance of being bitten by an infected mosquito is rare, residents are advised to take precautions when outside in the early morning and evening to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the chance of getting West Nile virus.”
To protect yourself and family from WNV, follow these simple steps:
- Get rid of mosquito-friendly areas at home
- Clean up stagnant water found in bird baths, flower pots, swimming pool covers and clogged eavestroughs
- Ensure the window screens on your home are tight-fitting and in good repair
- Cover up while outside
- Use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin; check label directions for use
- Wear protective clothing, including socks, long-sleeved shirts and jackets
- Dress with lighter colours, if possible as mosquitoes are attracted to darker colours
- Minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
- Watch the Fight the Bite video to learn more about symptoms and how to protect yourself from WNV.
As part of York Region’s 2019 West Nile virus Control Plan, York Region Public Health educates residents on self-protection, investigates human cases and conducts surveillance. York Region Public Health uses larvicides in catch basins to control mosquito breeding along Regional and municipal roads and other stagnant public water sources, including roadside ditches. Private backyard catch basins are treated upon request. You can review the current status of WNV in Ontario on the Public Health Ontario website.
For more information on West Nile virus, please contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY 1-866-512-6228 or visit york.ca/westnile The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 52,000 businesses with over 636,600 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices
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