Burlington mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus

A batch of mosquitoes trapped this week in Burlington has tested positive for West Nile virus.

This is the first batch of mosquitoes that tested positive for the virus in Halton this year.

“Halton is committed to being safe and healthy and reducing West Nile virus in our communities through both education and preventative programs like larviciding,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health.

“Until the hard frosts of fall set in, Halton residents should continue to protect themselves against mosquito bites and remove mosquito breeding sites.”

Halton Region recommends the following steps residents can take to protect themselves:

• Cover up, wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants with tightly-woven fabric.
• Avoid being outdoors from early evening to morning when mosquitoes are most active
• Stay out of shady, wooded areas
• Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by getting rid of all water-filled containers and objects
• Use an approved insect repellent, such as one containing DEET or Icaridin

A map showing the locations of standing water sites that have had larvicide applied this year is available here.