West Nile virus found in mosquitoes in Oakville, Burlington; Milton clean so far

Of the six mosquito pools that tested positive for West Nile virus in Halton, five were in Oakville and one in Burlington. There have been no positive pools found in Milton or Halton Hills.

This is consistent with last year’s results from Halton Region Public Health that saw a total of nine positive results, four each in Burlington and Oakville and one in Milton. There was also one confirmed human case in 2022.

Up to 80 per cent of people who get West Nile virus don’t show any symptoms. The symptoms that do occur include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and rash on chest, stomach or back.

West Nile is usually found in urban areas where standing water can stagnate. Here is a list of tips to keep your home and yard mosquito-free:

• Empty containers where water collects (such as old tires, cans, flower pots, toys)
• Change water in bird baths weekly
• Empty and refill pet water bowls often
• Turn over items such as wheelbarrows
• Unclog drainage ditches
• Ensure rain barrels are fitted with a tight screen
• Clean out eaves, gutters and drains
• Drill holes in the bottom of containers and tire swings so water can’t collect
• Trim and maintain your lawn and shrubs

For more information about WNV, visit the Halton website.