Brantford has recorded its first confirmed case of West Nile virus this year after mosquitoes collected in a residential area tested positive. Grand Erie Public Health announced the finding on August 5, following routine surveillance efforts. No human cases have been reported so far.
The health unit urges residents to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. These include wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing, avoiding outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours (dusk to dawn), and using approved insect repellents containing DEET.
Residents are also encouraged to reduce mosquito breeding areas by eliminating standing water and changing bird bath water weekly.
“The warm and wet weather has created ideal mosquito breeding conditions,” said Filip Pajtondziev, Manager of Infectious Diseases and Sexual Health. “This confirmed pool shows the virus is in our community.”
While most people don’t get sick from West Nile virus, seniors and those with health conditions are at greater risk of serious illness. For more information or to report standing water, visit www.bchu.org/westnile or www.hnhu.org/westnile.
Written by Jeremy Hall