Mosquitoes in York Region test positive for West Nile virus

July 26, 2024

Newmarket – The Regional Municipality of York monitors West Nile virus activity by setting mosquito traps and testing for West Nile Virus. To date, two mosquito traps have recently tested positive for West Nile virus. A mosquito trap at Kennedy Road and 16th Avenue in the City of Markham and a second trap at Jane Street and Highway 7 in the City of Vaughan are the first positive traps of the year.

To protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites and West Nile virus, follow these steps:

Get rid of mosquito-friendly areas at home

  • Clean up stagnant water found in bird baths, flowerpots, swimming pool covers and clogged eavestroughs
  • Ensure the window screens on your home are tight-fitting and in good repair

Cover up while outside

  • Use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin – check label directions for use
  • Wear light-coloured protective clothing, including pants and long-sleeved shirts

As part of York Region’s 2024 West Nile Virus Control Plan, York Region Public Health educates residents on self-protection, investigates human cases and monitors mosquitoes for West Nile virus.

York Region Public Health uses larvicides in catch basins to control mosquito breeding along Regional and municipal roads and other stagnant public water sources, including roadside ditches. Private backyard catch basins are treated upon request.

Positive West Nile virus activity is regularly updated at york.ca/WestNile

For more information on West Nile virus, please contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY 1-866-512-6228 or visit york.ca/WestNile  

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to over 1.25 million residents and 57,000 businesses with more than 629,000 employees. More information about York Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/RegionalServices

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Media Contact:

Caitlin Gladney-Hatcher, Community and Health Services,
The Regional Municipality of York
Phone: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 74966, Email: @email
After Hours: 905-806-1216, @email