More Mississauga mosquitoes found to have West Nile virus

Two more batches of mosquitoes collected in Mississauga have tested positive for West Nile virus. 

The mosquitoes were collected the week of Aug. 22 in the Dixie/Lakeshore Rds. and Burnhamthorpe Rd. E./Hurontario St. areas of Mississauga by Region of Peel public health officials. Two other batches collected at the same time in Brampton also tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease, which is passed on to people via the bite of an infected mosquito. 

Three Mississauga mosquito batches have now tested positive so far this summer, the other batch collected the week of Aug. 1 near Dundas St. W. and Mavis Rd.  

In Brampton, where infected mosquitoes were first detected in Peel this year in late July, 12 batches have now come back positive for WNV. 

No human cases have been confirmed yet in Mississauga or Brampton this year. 

“The Region of Peel Public Health monitors West Nile virus activity through 33 mosquito traps set across the cities of Mississauga, Brampton and the town of Caledon,” Dr. Lawrence Loh, Peel’s medical officer of health, stated in a media release. 

“Mosquitoes from the traps are collected and tested weekly from late June to September. Public Health staff also survey public areas for stagnant water that may be serving as mosquito breeding sites and treat identified sites with larvicide.”  

Although the risk of acquiring West Nile virus infection is low, there are simple steps that one can take to protect against mosquito bites: 

• Apply a Health Canada approved insect repellent containing an ingredient effective against mosquitoes, such as DEET or icaridin, to exposed skin and clothing. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions 
• Wear light-coloured, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes, and socks to protect exposed skin 
• Avoid shaded or wooded areas with high mosquito populations and take extra precautions during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active 
• Ensure all windows and door screens fit securely and are free of tears and holes 

Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon residents can also help prevent mosquito bites by removing or draining items on their property that hold stagnant water. 

Water that is stagnant for more than seven days is an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes. 

Stagnant water sites may be reported to Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 (toll free at 905-584-2216 in Caledon), or online at peelregion.ca/health/vbd. 

The website also has more information about West Nile Virus and residents can also register to receive email notifications about mosquito activity in the area.