Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus in Oshawa, Durham Health Department Reports

Adult mosquitoes collected from trap sites in Oshawa have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the Durham Region Health Department. This is the second batch to test positive for the virus in Durham Region this season; the first batch was reported in Clarington earlier in July, according to the Health Department.

Durham Region Health Department conducts mosquito surveillance across the region by operating traps and testing mosquitoes weekly from June to September. These tests are used to monitor the presence of West Nile virus in local mosquito populations.

According to the Health Department, West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The department states that mosquitoes become infected by feeding on the blood of birds carrying the virus. The disease is not passed from person to person, nor directly from birds to people.

As reported by the Health Department, most people who contract West Nile virus will experience mild illness, which may include fever, headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting, or rash on the chest, stomach, or back. More serious symptoms can include muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, numbness, and sudden sensitivity to light. The department notes that symptoms usually develop between two and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Durham Region treats catch basins and other stagnant water sites with larvicide to help reduce mosquito breeding, according to the Health Department.

Further information about West Nile virus and mosquito surveillance is available on the Health Department's website.