News release: September 28, 2020
Region of Peel confirms first case of West Nile Virus this year
BRAMPTON, ON (September 28, 2020) – Region of Peel - Public Health has confirmed the first locally acquired human case of West Nile virus for 2020 in a Brampton resident.
West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people who contract the disease will show no symptoms, 20 per cent will experience mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body ache, mild rash, and swollen lymph glands. In rare cases, approximately 1 in 150 persons infected with WNV will develop a more severe form of the disease. People over the age of 50 and those with compromised immune system are at the highest risk of becoming severely ill when infected with WNV.
“While the overall risk of getting a West Nile Virus infection is lower during the Fall months, this case reinforces the importance for residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Before the winter frost arrives, residents should also remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed,” says Dr. Nicholas Brandon, Associate Medical Officer of Health at the Region of Peel.
Residents are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites:
- Apply 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.
- Avoid areas with high mosquito populations and take extra precautions between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and at any time in or near shady, wooded areas
- Wear light-coloured, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks to protect exposed skin.
- Make sure all window and door screens fit securely and are free of tears and holes
- Ensure that openings to rain barrels are always covered with a screen mesh
- Remove or drain 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.
- Register online to receive email notifications and information about where mosquitos have tested positive for West Nile virus found in Peel
Visit our website for more information about West Nile virus, 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.
The Region of Peel works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 175,000 businesses in the cities of Brampton and Mississauga and the Town of Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information about the Region of Peel, explore peelregion.ca and follow us on Twitter @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
Media contact
Jeff LeMoine
Communication Specialist
Region of Peel
Tel: 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.
