For the first time this season, a batch of mosquitoes in Oshawa have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). Durham Region Health Department says the positi
For the first time this season, a batch of mosquitoes in Oshawa have tested positive for West Nile virus .
Durham Region Health Department says the positive batch of mosquitoes was collected from one of the Health Department’s mosquito trap sites located in Oshawa. Every week between June and September, the Health Department sets mosquito traps across the region and submits mosquitoes for laboratory testing.Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on the blood of a bird that carries the virus.Most people who contract the virus will experience mild illness including fever, headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting, and rash on the chest, stomach or back.
More serious symptoms can include muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, numbness, and sudden sensitivity to light.Although the risk of becoming infected is low, the Health Department recommends that residents take the following precautions to minimize the risk of mosquito bites and the possibility of being infected with WNV:
Wear shoes, socks, and light-coloured clothing—including long sleeve tops and full-length pants when outside—especially at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active.Remove standing water from your property where mosquitoes can breed.Durham Region helps minimize mosquito populations by treating regional catch basins and other stagnant water sites with a larvicide to help reduce breeding.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bird found dead in Peterborough region tests positive for West Nile virusThe health unit says in 2023, no mosquitoes found tested positive for West Nile virus, however, there were confirmed human cases of the virus in Ontario.
Read more »
Province gives go ahead for DDSB to start building new north Oshawa secondary schoolThe province has given the Durham District School Board the green light to issue the tender for a new north Oshawa secondary school. It will be built near Wi
Read more »
Oshawa man facing child luring, pornography chargesDurham police are laying charges against an Oshawa man accused of luring young girls. Police started investigating in March after they were told about a man
Read more »
Oshawa committee votes in favour of name change for Bagot StreetOshawa's Bagot Street is about to take on a new name. On Monday, members of the Economic and Development Services Committee voted to recommend the name 'Debw
Read more »
City of Oshawa hosting open house as conversation heats up around proposed downtown art pieceThe conversation is picking up around a future public art piece in downtown Oshawa. Some are criticizing the costs, while others are in favour. 'I think i
Read more »
Part of Highway 401 closed in Oshawa Saturday night for bridge demolition workIf you were planning on taking the 401 through Oshawa Saturday night, expect some delays. The Ministry of Transportation is replacing the Simcoe Street South
Read more »