West Nile virus continues to be found at various Brampton locations

West Nile virus continues to be found at several locations in Brampton.

During the week of Aug. 29, four more batches of mosquites tested positive.

The samples were taken from near the following Brampton intersections:

• Chinguacousy Rd. and Williams Pkwy.
• Sandalwood Pkwy. E. and Bramalea Rd.
• Steeles Ave. W. and McLaughlin Rd. S.
• The Gore Road and Cottrelle Blvd.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a potentially serious illness. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by biting an infected bird.

While the illness can last as short as a few days, even healthy people have reported being sick for several weeks. The time between the mosquito bite and the onset of symptoms, called the incubation period, is between three and 15 days.

It is estimated that approximately one in 150 persons infected with the WNV virus will develop a more severe form of disease. Serious illness can occur in people of any age; however, people over age 50 and people with weakened immune system (for example, transplant patients) are at the highest risk for getting severely ill when infected with WNV.

To prevent mosquito bites:

• Avoid areas with large numbers of mosquitoes
• Wear light-coloured clothing, including long sleeves, long pants, socks and a hat whenever you are outdoors (even when you are in your back yard), especially at dusk and at dawn
• Use only those personal insect repellents that are registered for use in Canada. Remember to apply repellent according to the manufacturer’s directions.
• Consider staying indoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active
• Check all window and door screens in your home to ensure there are no tears or holes for mosquitoes to get through

As of Aug. 30, there were no reports of human infections. For more information on West Nile virus, visit the website.