West Nile Virus is Found in Milton Mosquitoes

Published August 7, 2018 at 6:38 pm

Here’s a heads up if you’re out and about in Milton.

Here’s a heads up if you’re out and about in Milton.

Especially if you’re concerned about West Nile Virus (WNV).
A batch of mosquitoes trapped last week in Milton has tested positive for WNV.
This is the first batch of WNV positive mosquitoes for Milton this year. An additional three batches have been confirmed in Halton in 2018—two in Burlington and one in Oakville—for a total of four WNV positive mosquito batches in Halton to date.

“Halton is committed to being safe and healthy and reducing West Nile virus in our communities through both education and preventative programs like larviciding,” said Halton Region’s associate medical officer of health Dr. Daniela Kempkens.

“Until the hard frosts of fall set in, people should continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites and remove
mosquito breeding sites.”
Urban areas are more likely to have mosquitoes that carry WNV.

The types of mosquitoes that transmit WNV to humans most commonly breed in urban areas in places that hold water such as bird baths, plant pots, old toys, and tires.

Residents can take the following steps to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes:

  • Cover up. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric.
  • Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin.
  • Avoid being outdoors from early evening to morning when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, as well as at any time in shady, wooded areas.
  • Make sure your window and door screens are tight and without holes, cuts or other openings.
  • Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects, where possible. Change the water in bird baths at least once per week.

A map showing the locations of standing water sites that have had larvicide applied this year is available here.

Residents can phone 311 or e-mail [email protected] to report standing water at public facilities.

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