News Release: September 25, 2019
Region of Peel reports first case of West Nile Virus in 2019
Mississauga, ON (September 24, 2019) – Region of Peel - Public Health has received confirmation of the first human case of West Nile virus in a Peel resident for the year. West Nile virus is an infection transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. The Region of Peel – Public Health reminds all residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to remove standing water where WNV-carrying mosquitoes can breed.
“While the risk of getting West Nile virus in Peel remains low, this case reinforces the need for all residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites when outdoors. Mosquitoes will remain active until the first frost,” says Dr. Lawrence Loh, Associate Medical Officer of Health at the Region of Peel. “Most people who contract the disease will show no symptoms, but 20 per cent will experience mild flu-like symptoms, and about 1 in 150 will develop a more severe form of the disease.”
Residents are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by doing the following:
- Applying an approved insect repellent containing an ingredient effective against mosquitoes, such as DEET or icaridin, to exposed skin and clothing. Read and follow the manufacturers' directions for safe use.
- Avoiding areas with high mosquito populations and taking extra precautions between dusk and dawn, periods when mosquitoes are most active, and at any time in or near shady, bushy or wooded areas.
- Wearing light-coloured, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks to protect exposed skin.
- Making sure all window and door screens fit securely and are free of tears and holes.
- Ensuring that openings to rain barrels are always covered with a screen mesh.
- Removing or draining items on your property that hold stagnant water. Water that is stagnant for more than seven days is an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes. You can report stagnant water sites to Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or online at peelregion.ca/health/vbd.
Register online at peelregion.ca/health/vbd to receive email notifications and information about where mosquitos have tested positive for West Nile virus found in Peel.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit the Vector-borne diseases page or call Region of Peel - Public Health at 905-799-7700 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Caledon residents can call toll free at 905-584-2216.
Media Contacts
Jeffrey LeMoineCommunications Specialist
Region of Peel, Public Health
289-325-4700
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
