General News

West Nile virus detected in local bird and mosquito pool

August 14, 2025   ·   0 Comments

TheSimcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) continues to see West Nile virus (WNv) activity in our communities with a positive test reported in a bird in Barrie and a second mosquito pool testing positive for the virus in New Tecumseth.

These positive results are in addition to the positive test of a bird in Bradford West Gwillimbury during July and a positive mosquito pool reported last week in New Tecumseth.

To date, no human cases of WNv have been reported in Simcoe Muskoka in 2025. However, the health unit is reminding the public that an increase in the virus among birds and mosquitoes presents a higher likelihood that the virus can spread to humans.

WNv 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 health unit continues to monitor mosquito populations by setting mosquito traps and searching for larvae in selected locations throughout Simcoe Muskoka during the summer. Where positive results have been obtained, additional surveillance measures are undertaken.

The health unit says positive test results are a reminder that everyone needs to take appropriate measures to protect themselves 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 WNv from an infected mosquito is highest in late summer. The health unit recommends the following personal protection measures:

• Use an approved mosquito repellent and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Wear light-coloured clothing and cover up in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active – at dusk and dawn – when possible.

Although most people will not become sick if bitten by an infected mosquito, WNv 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. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice.

Anyone with concerns about a dead bird can contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) at 1-866-673-4781.

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