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West Nile Virus
West Nile virus can cause serious illness in humans. It can be passed to humans if they are bitten by an infected mosquito. The virus is not spread by person-to-person contact.
The York Region Control Plan includes mosquito-control (larviciding), public education and surveillance. York Region monitors West Nile virus activity by setting mosquito traps and testing for the virus.
Prevention
The chance of being bitten by an infected mosquito is rare and there are simple steps that can be taken to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the chance of getting West Nile virus:
- Take precautions when outside in the early morning and early evening when mosquitoes are more active
- Use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin when outdoors and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Wear long sleeved shirts or jackets, long pants and socks when outdoors
- Clean up around your home by emptying containers where water collects, such as in old tires, flower pots, bird baths and wading pools
Report Standing Water
Mosquitoes like to breed in standing water. Water that sits still for more than seven days creates an ideal breeding ground for mosquitos especially between early June and late August.
Contact York Region Health Connection to find out how to clean up mosquito breeding sites around your home or to report stagnant water in your community.
Fight the Bite against West Nile virus
Symptoms
Those who do develop illness may experience flu-like symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Muscle weakness
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Severe headache
- Sudden sensitivity to light
If you experience any of these symptoms, get medical attention.
For a very rare few, the virus causes serious neurological illness including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). About four out of five people who are infected with West Nile virus do not show any signs of illness.
Statistics
2019 York Region West Nile Virus Activity
As of August 15, 2019
Positive mosquito traps
| Municipality | Positive Traps |
|---|---|
| Vaughan | 1 |
| Total | 1 |
2019 Vector-borne disease statistics summary
2018 York Region West Nile Virus Activity
As of October 5, 2018
Confirmed Human cases of West Nile virus (WNV)
| Municipality | Human Cases |
|---|---|
| Vaughan | 2 |
| Whitchurch-Stouffville | 1 |
| Total | 3 |
Positive mosquito traps
| Municipality | Positive Traps |
|---|---|
| East Gwillimbury | 1 |
| Georgina | 4 |
| King | 1 |
| Markham | 4 |
| Newmarket | 1 |
| Richmond Hill | 3 |
| Vaughan | 2 |
| Total | 16 |
2017 York Region West Nile Virus Activity
Confirmed Human cases of West Nile virus (WNV)
| Municipality | Human Cases |
|---|---|
| Georgina | 2 |
| Markham | 5 |
| Richmond Hill | 1 |
| Vaughan | 2 |
| Total | 10 |
| Travel-related | 1 |
Positive mosquito traps
| Municipality | Positive Traps |
|---|---|
| Aurora | 1 |
| Markham | 7 |
| Newmarket | 1 |
| Richmond Hill | 1 |
| Vaughan | 3 |
| Whitchurch-Stouffville | 1 |
| Total | 14 |
2016 York Region West Nile Virus Activity
Human cases
There have been 3 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in York Region: 2 in Markham and 1 in Vaughan.
Positive mosquito traps
| Municipality | Positive Traps |
|---|---|
| Markham | 2 |
| Total | 2 |
2015 York Region West Nile Virus Activity
Positive mosquito traps
| Municipality | Positive Traps |
|---|---|
| Markham | 1 |
| Newmarket | 1 |
| East Gwillimbury | 1 |
| Total | 3 |
2014 York Region West Nile Virus Activity
Positive mosquito traps
| Municipality | Positive Traps |
|---|---|
| Markham | 1 |
| Georgina | 1 |
| Total | 2 |
2013 York Region West Nile Virus Activity
Human cases
There was 1 confirmed human case of West Nile virus in 2013 in Markham.
Positive mosquito traps
| Municipality | Positive Traps |
|---|---|
| Markham | 5 |
| East Gwillimbury | 4 |
| Vaughan | 6 |
| King | 1 |
| Total | 16 |
Related Resources
External Links
- Public Health Ontario: West Nile virus information for residents, physicians and health units
- Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care: Information on West Nile virus for Health Care Providers
- Public Health Agency of Canada: Safety tips, maps and statistics related to West Nile virus
- US Centres for Disease Control: Repellents and helpful tips on protecting yourself from mosquito bites
- Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Centre: Wildlife disease surveillance
