News Release: August 2, 2018
West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitos Found in Peel
BRAMPTON, ON (August 2, 2018) – West Nile virus has once again been detected in mosquitos collected in the Region of Peel. So far this summer, three mosquito pools have tested positive for the virus. The Region reminds residents that it is not uncommon to find West Nile virus in local mosquitos.
West Nile virus became established across much of North America in the late 1990s and public health units, including Region of Peel – Public Health, have run annual programs to help monitor and control the population of mosquitos that carry the virus.
“Public Health maintains and monitors 33 mosquito traps that are set up across the cities of Mississauga and Brampton and the Town of Caledon. These traps are tested weekly from June to September and with this recent confirmation of West Nile virus activity, we are increasing our efforts in the area surrounding the positive traps by looking for breeding sites and re-treating catch basins with larvicide,” says Paul Callanan, Director of Health Protection at the Region of Peel.
The Region of Peel encourages residents to take extra precautions during dusk and dawn when mosquito activity is higher. Wear light coloured, long sleeved shirts and pants and use mosquito repellent containing DEET if older than six months of age. Children under six months can be protected with insect netting.
“Luckily, the summer to this point hasn’t been extremely wet, which has limited prime breeding conditions for mosquitos, added Callanan. “However, this can change from week to week and we urge people to protect themselves and do their part to reduce the spread of mosquito populations in their neighbourhoods and communities by removing standing water.”
Tips to Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites:
- Remove items that collect water.
- Turn over old tires or wheelbarrows; empty out pails and plastic wading pools; change the water in birdbaths often.
- Report standing water if present longer than a week on public property at peelregion.ca/health/vbd/rep-stwater or by calling Region of Peel - Public Health at 905-799-7700.
The Region of Peel has had no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus this season.
For more information, visit peelregion.ca/westnile or call Region of Peel - Public Health at 905-799-7700 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Caledon residents can call toll free at 905-584-2216.
Media Contacts:
Jeff LeMoineCommunications Specialist - Region of Peel - Public Health
289-325-4700
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
