West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that is primarily spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. 

West Nile virus can cause severe illness, although the risk of becoming seriously ill because of infection is low. Most people who become infected experience no symptoms or very mild illness. 

York Region Community and Health Services has developed a Control Plan to prevent and control West Nile virus in York Region.  The Plan includes public education, mosquito control and mosquito and human surveillance activities.

The West Nile dead bird pick-up, testing and reporting program was discontinued across Ontario in 2009.

Along with other municipalities across Ontario, York Region will no longer pick up dead birds or ask residents to report dead bird sightings.

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has confirmed the presence of the virus in Ontario. Dead bird surveillance is no longer needed as an early warning signal of WNV in York Region or to determine where the virus will most likely appear. York Region Public Health will continue to use mosquito surveillance in addition to other factors (temperature, precipitation, time of year etc.) to determine the human health risk of West Nile virus in York Region.

Media Releases: 2010 Season Start Media Release