Mosquito Traps Test Positive For West Nile Virus In York Region

Newmarket - The Regional Municipality of York is advising that two mosquito traps have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in the City of Markham; one at the intersection of 14th Avenue and Kennedy Road and the other at the intersection of Highway 7 and Warden Avenue.
 
“Residents can take simple steps to reduce the risk of West Nile virus and exposure to mosquitos,” said Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “Cover up when heading outside, especially during dusk and dawn and eliminate standing water around your property to reduce mosquito breeding.”
 
To protect yourself and family from WNV, follow these simple steps:
 
Get rid of mosquito-friendly areas at home
Clean up stagnant water found in bird baths, flower pots, swimming pool covers, clogged gutters and eavestroughs
Ensure the window screens on your home are tight-fitting and in good repair
 
Cover up while outside
Wear protective clothing, including socks, long-sleeved shirts and jackets
Wear lighter colours if possible as mosquitoes are attracted to darker colours
Use insect repellent – check label directions for use
Minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
 
As part of York Region’s 2016 West Nile virus (WNV) Control Plan, York Region Public Health larvicides catch basins to interrupt mosquito breeding, educates residents on self-protection, investigates human cases and conducts surveillance.
 
York Region treats catch basins along Regional and municipal roads and other stagnant public water sources, including roadside ditches. Private backyard catch basins are treated upon request.
 
Visit the Fight the Bite video to learn more about symptoms and how to protect yourself from West Nile Virus.
To review the current status of WNV in Ontario, visit: publichealthontario.ca/en/DataAndAnalytics/Pages/WNV.aspx
 
For more information on this or any other public-health related topic, please contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY 1-866-252-9933 or visit york.ca/westnile