West Nile virus detected in Waterloo Region
WATERLOO REGION — Mosquitoes with West Nile virus were found this week in Waterloo Region.
Two mosquito traps tested positive in Cambridge and Kitchener — the first positive traps this year in the region.
“Weather conditions have been favourable over the past couple of weeks,” said Brenda Miller, manager of health protection and investigation for Region of Waterloo Public Health.
There have been no human cases of the virus, “but this would typically be the time.”
The virus has been detected in various locations across Ontario this season, including recently in nearby Perth County.
“Remember, it’s important to take precautions,” Miller urged.
And that’s not just when out walking, hiking or camping, but also in your own backyard.
People should wear lightcoloured clothing, and longsleeved shirts and pants. Use insect repellent, and minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn.
Eliminate standing water to reduce places where mosquitoes can breed, including bird baths, eavestroughs, and flower pot saucers. The mosquito varieties that spread West Nile only need a little bit of water to multiply.
“Sometimes it’s just getting out there and taking a look at your own yard,” Miller said.
West Nile virus is a bird disease spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. The majority of people infected show no symptoms; one in five experience mild flu-like symptoms; and one in 150 develops neurological symptoms.
Last year in Waterloo Region, one trap tested positive, two in 2015 and six in 2014.
“West Nile virus is very dependent on weather,” said Miller, adding that mosquitoes like warm and wet weather.
For more information on West Nile, go to regionofwaterloo.ca/ westnilevirus or call 519-575-4400.