Health officials in Peel Region say a mosquito trap in Mississauga has tested positive for West Nile virus.
The mosquitoes were collected in the area of Lakeshore Road East and Dixie Road, officials say.
The tests are conducted weekly and are part of the city’s annual West Nile Virus mosquito surveillance program. In total, 33 traps have been set up across the city and will remain there until September.
Although the risk of catching West Nile virus is low, officials say this year’s unusually wet weather has created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitos.
The health unit says residents can reduce potential exposure to the virus by wearing light coloured, long sleeved clothing and use an insect repellant.
Residents are encouraged to take special caution during hot weather and between dusk and dawn, when the mosquitoes are known to be most active.
“With this recent confirmation of West Nile activity, we are increasing our efforts in south Mississauga and the surrounding area by looking for breeding sites and re-treating catch basins with larvicide,” Paul Callanan, the director of health protection for Peel Region, said in a statement Friday.
“The most effective way of eliminating mosquitoes near your home is to remove items that collect water. Turn over old tires or wheelbarrows, empty out pails and plastic wading pools, change the water in your birdbaths often and put away toys.”
There have been no confirmed human cases of the virus reported in Mississauga or Ontario this year.
