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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.