Toronto, Peel Region confirm first cases of West Nile virus positive mosquitoes this year
Both Toronto and Peel Region are reporting their first cases of West Nile virus positive mosquitoes for 2021.
On Friday, Toronto Public Health (TPH) confirmed two mosquito pools in the city tested positive for the virus. TPH did not say where in the city the positive mosquitoes were found.
Meanwhile, Peel Public Health (PPH) said positive mosquitoes were collected in Brampton near Chinguacousy Road and Williams Parkway, and Queen Street East and West Drive.
“The risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus continues to be low in Toronto, however we’re taking this opportunity to share some simple steps residents can take to further reduce their potential risk when enjoying the outdoors this summer,” Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa said in a statement on Friday.
“These steps include wearing insect repellent and light coloured clothing to protect themselves from infected mosquito bites.”
The West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that is passed to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands.
No human cases of West Nile have been reported in either public health unit so far this year.
Both health regions conduct mosquito surveillance annually from June to September.
TPH said 22 mosquito traps are set across Toronto once a week to collect mosquitoes and test them for the virus. PPH sets 33 mosquito traps in the cities of Mississauga, Brampton and the Town of Caledon.
Last year, 39 positive mosquito pools were reported in Toronto, while 23 positive mosquito pools and three human cases were identified in Peel Region.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.