Toronto residents are urged to be cautious as Toronto Public Health (TPH) confirms the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes within the city. This marks the first instance of positive testing for the virus this year.
TPH conducts routine mosquito surveillance in Toronto between mid-June and mid-September, deploying 22 traps weekly across the city to capture mosquitoes. These samples are then analyzed in a laboratory to identify and test for the virus.
Although the risk of contracting West Nile virus in Toronto is currently deemed low, health officials emphasize the importance of preventive measures to reduce mosquito bites.
This announcement follows a similar alert from York Region health authorities regarding positive West Nile virus tests in mosquitoes there.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites, underscoring the necessity of protective measures such as wearing light-colored clothing that covers the skin and using approved insect repellents.