West Nile virus detected in Ontario mosquito pools, officials urge precautions

West Nile virus is circulating in Ontario, with positive mosquito pools detected in Toronto, Windsor-Essex, Belleville, York Region, and Halton Region. Public health officials are urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, although no human cases have been confirmed in these specific areas yet. One individual has tested positive for the virus after traveling outside of Canada.

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What we see during this time of the year… if mosquito pools are showing a few positive cases, that is in line for this time of the year and this season.

Several regions have reported positive mosquito findings this season. Toronto Public Health confirmed one batch of mosquitoes tested positive, while Windsor-Essex and the Belleville area each identified one positive pool. York Region reported two positive traps and two positive pools in Markham, and Halton Region found two positive pools between July 13 and 19. Additionally, 14 dead wild birds across Canada, including 13 in Ontario and one in Manitoba, have tested positive for the virus.

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Usually people will feel sick with a headache, fever and chills for a few days and then recover.

Health officials advise against handling dead birds or animals with bare hands due to potential pathogens. They recommend burying them with gloves and a shovel at a depth of at least 50 cm. Despite the detections, infectious diseases specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch noted that these findings are in line with typical seasonal activity. "What we see during this time of the year… if mosquito pools are showing a few positive cases, that is in line for this time of the year and this season," he said.

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In some cases, it can cause neuromuscular manifestations and other nerve-related problems.

West Nile virus spreads through infected mosquito bites, with mosquitoes acquiring the virus from birds. Most infected individuals experience mild symptoms like headache, fever, and chills, recovering within days. However, a small percentage can develop severe neurological problems. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness. Bogoch encouraged people to continue enjoying outdoor activities, stating, "It's beautiful outside, so we should all definitely get outside."

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It's beautiful outside, so we should all definitely get outside.