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Bird tests positive for West Nile virus
August 7, 2025 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has received notification from Public Health Ontario that a dead bird found in the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury has tested positive for West Nile virus.
This is the first lab-confirmed evidence of West Nile virus in Simcoe Musoka in 2025. As of July 2025, no confirmed mosquito pools or human cases of the virus have been reported this year.
West Nile virus circulates between birds and some species of mosquitoes. The virus can be transmitted to humans by a mosquito bite if the mosquito has first bitten an infected bird.
The risk of contracting West Nile virus from an infected mosquito is highest in late summer, and the Health Unit recommends that people take protective measures.
This includes using an approved mosquito repellent and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Wear light-coloured clothing and cover up in areas where mosquitoes are present.
Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active – dusk and dawn – when possible.
Although most people will not become sick if bitten by an infected mosquito, the West Nile virus can cause severe illness in some people.
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