Mosquitoes in Toronto have tested positive for the West Nile Virus for the first time this year according to a lab report received by the city's public health unit on Friday.
Toronto Public Health discovered the positive result after sending mosquitoes for lab testing, a practice done every week.
The department said it has 43 mosquito traps throughout the city and larvicides are also used in catch basins to reduce the mosquito population.
"The positive test result is a good reminder for the public to protect themselves from mosquito bites, and to reduce mosquito breeding grounds by draining standing water around your home," Dr. Howard Shapiro, associate medical officer of health for Toronto Public Health, said in a statement.
Toronto's first West Nile outbreak was in 2001. In 2002, there were 163 cases and 11 deaths from the virus.
There have been no deaths in Toronto since 2005 and only one human case in the city since 2010. Last year, 19 mosquito pools tested positive for the virus in Toronto.
Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to avoid infection.
Toronto Public Health recommends:
• using mosquito repellent approved by Health Canada
• wearing light-coloured clothing and covering up in areas where mosquitoes are present
• taking extra precautions when mosquitoes are extra active, in the early morning and early evening
• removing standing water around your home and property
Only about one in five people infected with the West Nile Virus show symptoms that can include fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting and body aches.
About one in 150 will experience serious symptoms including neck stiffness, extreme confusion, muscle weakness and vision loss.
The virus can affect anyone, but those with a weakened immune system are at greater risk.
