In a press release Monday, TPH said it has received confirmation that five mosquito tanks in Toronto have tested positive for the virus. The health unit said the mosquitoes came from locations in Etobicoke, North York and west Toronto. They are the first to test positive for the virus in the city this year. “WNV is an infection that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito,” a press release said. “TPH conducts mosquito surveillance from mid-June to mid-September each year.” The health unit said that once a week, 22 mosquito traps are placed across Toronto to collect mosquitoes that are then taken to a laboratory. They are then grouped into “pools” and tested for the virus. Story continues below ad According to TPH, a total of 20 positive mosquito reservoirs were reported in 2021. The health unit said the risk of WNV infection in Toronto is “currently low.” Trending Stories
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TPH provided several tips to the public to “avoid being bitten by infected mosquitoes.” The health unit said members of the public should wear light-colored clothing, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside and should apply insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin. “Be especially careful during peak mosquito-biting times, dusk and dawn, by using repellent and covering up,” the statement said. “Make sure your home has tight screens on windows and doors.” Residents should also remove standing water from their property, such as buckets, pool covers, planters, toys and trash cans, as this is where mosquitoes can breed. According to TPH, WNV symptoms usually develop between two and 14 days after someone is bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms of WNV include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes. 1:12 Warmer temperatures may increase West Nile virus risk Warmer temperatures may increase West Nile virus risk – July 20, 2022 © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
