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Mosquitoes in York Region test positive for West Nile virus

July 31, 2023

Newmarket – The Regional Municipality of York monitors West Nile virus activity by setting mosquito traps and testing for West Nile virus. To date, one mosquito trap has tested positive for West Nile virus in the City of Markham near Bayview Avenue and John Street.

“While enjoying the outdoors, residents are reminded to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the chance of getting West Nile virus,” said Dr. Barry Pakes, York Region Medical Officer of Health. “Mosquito activity varies from year to year. It is important to know not all mosquitoes carry West Nile virus and the risk to residents remains very low.”

To protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites and West Nile virus, 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 eavestroughs
  • Ensure the window screens on your home are tight-fitting and in good repair

Cover up while outside 

  • Use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin – check label directions for use
  • Wear light-coloured protective clothing, including pants and long-sleeved shirts

As part of York Region’s West Nile virus Control Plan, York Region Public Health educates residents on self-protection, investigates human cases and monitors mosquitoes for West Nile virus.

York Region Public Health uses larvicides in catch basins to control mosquito breeding along Regional and municipal roads and other stagnant public water sources, including roadside ditches. Private backyard catch basins are treated upon request.
 
Watch 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 West Nile virus in Ontario, visit Public Health Ontario's West Nile virus Surveillance Tool.

For more information on West Nile virus or to request treatment of your private catch basin, please contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY 1-866-512-6228 or visit york.ca/WestNile  

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to more than 1.2 million residents and 55,600 businesses with more than 615,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices

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Media Contact:

Joe Chawla, Community and Health Services, The Regional Municipality of York Phone: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 77240, Email: @email
After Hours: 905-806-1216, @email