A mosquito found in Toronto has tested positive for West Nile virus, Toronto Public Health reported Friday.
The city agency said the find is the first positive West Nile virus result so far this year. No human cases have been reported and no birds have tested positive this summer.
The infected mosquito is the second found in the province this summer, the Ontario Health Ministry said. The first was discovered on June 30 in Windsor-Essex County.
"The positive mosquito result reinforces the need for the public to take precautions to safeguard themselves from West Nile virus," Dr. Howard Shapiro, Toronto's associate medical officer of health, said in a news release.
"Although the overall risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus is low, anyone can get sick from West Nile virus and the risk of severe illness increases with age."
Health officials say residents with weakened immune systems due to illnesses or immune-suppressing treatments are also at higher risk of severe illness from the virus.
The risk of becoming infected begins around this time of year, peaks in August and continues into September.
Most West Nile infections do not cause any symptoms. About 20 per cent of people infected develop a relatively mild illness, but one in 150 infections results in severe neurological disease.
Toronto Public Health recommends these protective measures:
- Use mosquito repellent approved by Health Canada.
- Wear light-coloured clothing and cover up when in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- Take extra precautions, especially in the early morning and early evening when mosquitoes are most active.
- Remove standing water around your home and property to reduce mosquito-breeding sites.
For more information on West Nile virus call 416-338-7600 or click here.
With files from The Canadian Press
