Toronto Public Health confirms first positive West Nile Virus mosquito test of the year

The city’s first positive test for West Nile Virus (WNV) has been confirmed on Friday by Toronto Public Health.

In a tweet from the agency, it said that a positive mosquito pool test for WNV had been received, but advised that the risk to the public is low.

TPH has received confirmation of this year’s first positive #mosquito pool test for #WestNileVirus in Toronto. While the risk of getting infected remains low, there are steps we can take to avoid bites from infected mosquitoes. Learn more: https://t.co/QXOlKJdPcd pic.twitter.com/dchB4SSssV

— Toronto Public Health (@TOPublicHealth) July 31, 2020

TPH conducts testing on mosquitos from mid-June to mid-September each year. According to the agency, once a week, 22 mosquito traps are set across the city to collect the insects for identification and testing.

Despite the low chance of infection, TPH says there are a number of steps that can be taken to avoid mosquitoes, those include the following:

• Wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.
  Apply insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin, following the manufacturer instructions.
• Take extra care during peak mosquito biting time (dusk and dawn) by using mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing.
• Remove standing water from your property, where mosquitoes can breed.
• Ensure your home has tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.