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Health Unit warns residents after West Nile virus discovered in mosquitoes

August 22, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is reminding residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites following confirmation that mosquitoes collected from a trap in Barrie, Ont. tested positive for the West Nile virus (WNV).

As of Aug. 12, no confirmed human cases of the mosquito-borne viral disease have been reported in the region in 2024. However, a dead bird found in Oro-Medonte in July also tested positive for WNV. 

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.

“We monitor mosquito populations by setting mosquito traps and looking for larvae in selected locations,” said Ramien Sereshk, program coordinator of SMDHU’s Healthy Environment and Vector-Borne Diseases program. “Positive test results are a reminder that we all need to continue to take appropriate measures to protect ourselves against WNV at this time of year, and the best way to do this is by protecting yourself from mosquito bites.”

The risk of contracting the virus from an infected mosquito is highest in late summer.

The Health Unit recommends wearing an approved mosquito repellent, wearing light-coloured clothing, and covering up in areas where mosquitoes are present.

Although most people will not become sick if bitten by an infected mosquito, the virus can cause severe illness in some people.

Symptoms of WNV include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache, and a sudden sensitivity to light.

In very rare cases, the virus may cause serious neurological illness.

If you have symptoms, you should seek medical advice.

The Health Unit will continue its surveillance for the virus throughout Simcoe Muskoka for the rest of the summer.   

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