Toronto – With mosquito season upon us, Toronto Public Health (TPH) advises residents to take steps to protect themselves from West Nile virus (WNV) – an illness transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
In 2023, there were 23 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in Toronto. Residents can take steps to avoid bites from infected mosquitos:
- Wear light-coloured clothing, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors
- Apply insect repellent approved by Health Canada by following the manufacturer’s instructions
. - Cover up during peak mosquito hours at dusk and dawn
- Ensure windows and doors have tight-fitting screens
- Remove standing water from properties or items where mosquitos can breed such as pool covers, buckets, planters, toys and your Blue Bin, Green Bin and Garbage Bins
- Keep grass cut short and trim bushes and trees around properties.
WNV symptoms usually start to show between two and 14 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito and may include:
- fever
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- body aches
- skin rash
- swollen lymph glands.
Older individuals or people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. Residents experiencing serious symptoms or who have concerns about any symptoms should contact their primary health care provider.
Each summer, TPH conducts mosquito surveillance using 22 traps placed across the city, collecting samples weekly for identification and WNV testing. In 2023, 83 mosquito pools tested positive for WNV. More information about WNV and how residents can protect themselves is available on the City’s website.