News release: August 13, 2020
First West Nile virus positive mosquitoes of 2020 found in Peel
Residents can protect themselves from mosquito bites and help control the mosquito population by removing standing water on their properties.
Brampton, ON, August 12, 2020 – The season’s first West Nile virus positive mosquitoes have been identified in the Region of Peel. The mosquitoes were collected from the vicinity of Dixie and Lakeshore Road East (Mississauga), Eglinton Avenue West and Ninth Line (Mississauga), Hurontario Street and Highway 407 (Brampton), the Gore Road and Cottrelle Boulevard (Brampton), and North Park Drive & Torbram Road (Brampton).
West Nile virus activity is monitored through 33 mosquito traps set across the cities of Mississauga, Brampton and the Town of Caledon. Trapping commenced in early July with mosquitoes being collected and tested for the virus weekly. The Region of Peel has had no confirmed or probable human cases of West Nile virus to date this year.
“West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that is passed to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito. Although the likelihood of getting a West Nile virus infection is low, there are simple precautions that residents can take to protect themselves and their family against mosquito bites when outdoors.” says Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health, Region of Peel.
To prevent mosquito bites and reduce the chance of getting West Nile virus:
- Apply a Health Canada approved insect repellent containing an ingredient effective against mosquitoes, such as DEET or icaridin, to exposed skin and clothing.
- Avoid shaded or wooded areas with high mosquito populations and take extra precautions during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear light-colored, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks to protect exposed skin.
- Ensure all windows and door screens fit securely and are free of tears and holes.
Peel residents can also help prevent mosquito bites by removing or draining items on their property that hold stagnant water. Water that is stagnant for more than seven days is an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes. Report stagnant water sites to Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 (toll free at 905-584-2216 in Caledon), or online at peelregion.ca/health/vbd.
Media contacts
Sangeeta Sundaresan
Communication Specialist
Region of Peel
Tel: 437-225-4898
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.
