Durham Region Health Department has confirmed that adult mosquitoes collected in Oshawa have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNv) disease. This marks the second batch of mosquitoes in the region to test positive this season, following an earlier detection in Clarington earlier in July.
The latest positive mosquitoes were collected from Health Department trap sites in Oshawa. These traps are part of a regional monitoring program, with mosquito samples submitted weekly for laboratory testing from June to September.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on the blood of a bird carrying the virus. The disease cannot be spread from person to person or directly from birds to humans.
Most individuals who contract West Nile virus may experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or a rash on the chest, stomach, or back. However, more serious symptoms can include muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, numbness, and sensitivity to light. Symptoms typically appear between two and 15 days after being bitten.
Although the overall risk of infection remains low, the Health Department is urging residents to take the following precautions to help reduce the risk of mosquito bites:
- Wear shoes, socks, and light-coloured clothing, including long-sleeved tops and full-length pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use insect repellents containing DEET or Picaridin on exposed skin, following Health Canada’s safety guidelines.
- Eliminate standing water on your property where mosquitoes may breed.
- Ensure window and door screens are in good condition to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
To help reduce mosquito populations, Durham Region also treats catch basins and other stagnant water sites with larvicide throughout the summer.
For more information, residents can contact the Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729, or visit durham.ca/WestNile.