TORONTO – Lab reports from Toronto Public Health (TPH) indicate mosquitoes in Toronto have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
“This is a timely reminder to the public to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to remove standing water from their property where mosquitoes can breed,” said Elaine Pacheco, Healthy Environments Manager for Toronto Public Health in a media release.
TPH reported 100 positive mosquito pools and 94 human cases in 2012.
Although officials say the risk of infection is low, protection against mosquito bites can reduce this risk even more.
TPH wants to remind residents to take precautions now and throughout the summer by offering these tips:
-Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks and a hat when outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
-Use insect repellent approved by Health Canada and follow product instructions.
-Remove standing water from property where mosquitoes can breed.
-Maintain screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
TPH says it has 43 mosquito traps throughout the city and submits mosquitoes for laboratory testing every week.
Catch basins and other areas of standing water are treated with larvicide to reduce mosquito breeding.
West Nile Virus was first discovered in Toronto in 2001.
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