West Nile virus

Halton Region and West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV) (external link)is a virus that is spread by mosquitoes.

Halton Region's Health Department works to reduce the impact of WNV on the health of 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 and surveillance activities (e.g., setting mosquito traps) to detect the presence of West Nile virus in 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
• Informing Halton Region residents about West Nile virus through:
  • Media releases
  • Pesticide use notices posted in local newspapers
  • Posting the latest data and information about WNV in Halton Region on our website

Surveillance activities

West Nile virus activity is determined by the surveillance of:

• Mosquito larvae
• Adult mosquito pools
• Human cases

Protect yourself:

Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors in the evening or early morning. Use an insect repellent approved by Health Canada.

Remove standing water:

Remove or change all standing water around your home to reduce potential mosquito breeding areas.