West Nile virus (WNV) is a virus that is spread by mosquitoes. In Halton, the Health Department works to reduce the impact of WNV on the health of Halton residents by:

• Informing and encouraging people to take steps to protect themselves from exposure to mosquitoes.
• Informing and encouraging people to reduce mosquito-breeding sites around their homes.
• Conducting monitoring & surveillance activities (e.g., setting mosquito traps, etc.) to detect the presence of the West Nile virus in dead birds and mosquitoes.
• Monitoring for the presence of West Nile virus in humans by ensuring prompt reporting of all cases of the disease by working with local physicians and hospitals.
• Larviciding (using pesticides to control the mosquito population) in catch basins and  storm water retention ponds where mosquito larvae have been detected.
• Developing a plan for an adultciding program (the use of pesticides to kill adult mosquitoes) in order to be prepared in the event that adultciding is required to control the spread of West Nile virus.
• Informing Halton residents about West Nile virus through media releases, pesticide use notices posted in local newspapers, and posting the latest data and information about WNV in Halton on our website.

Resources

The West Nile virus section of this website has information on a number of topics that may be of interest to you and your family:

• Summary of the West Nile Virus Neighbourhood Standing Water Survey 2007   22KB
• Frequently Asked Questions About West Nile Virus
• Protect Yourself and Your Family From Mosquito Bites  
• Insect Repellents  (guidelines for use, etc.)
• West Nile virus and Mosquitoes
• Reduce Mosquito Breeding Sites Around Your Home
• Mosquito Traps
• Larviciding  (questions and answers)
  • Catch Basin Treatment
• Adulticide  (questions and answers)
• Storm Water Retention Ponds
• Information for Pet Owners  
• Schools, Summer Camps & Daycares
• Archived WNV Surveillance
  • 2012 Surveillance
  • 2011 Surveillance
  • 2010 Surveillance
  • 2009 Surveillance
  • 2008 Surveillance
  • 2007 Surveillance
  • 2006 Surveillance
  • 2005 Surveillance
  • 2004 Surveillance

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Related Links

• West Nile virus - Surveillance Information
  Public Health Agency of Canada
• Government of Canada's Role - West Nile Virus
  Health Canada
• Permit Applicant Guide for Municipalities and Health Units
  Ontario Ministry of the Environment
• West Nile virus
  Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• West Nile virus
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Pesticides: Topical & Chemical Fact Sheets
  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Pest Management Regulatory Agency
  Health Canada
• Other Vector Borne Disease - Lyme Disease
  Halton Region Health Department
• West Nile Virus
  Canadian Blood Services