Grand Erie Public Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in Brant for 2025.
The virus, which is spread by infected mosquitoes, does not typically cause symptoms in most people, but it can lead to serious illness in seniors and those with underlying health conditions.
Officials are urging residents to take precautions, including wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing, using insect repellent containing DEET, and avoiding outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours in the evening and early morning.
Homeowners are also encouraged to reduce breeding grounds by emptying standing water in containers and changing bird bath water weekly.
This year, five mosquito pools in Brantford have tested positive for West Nile virus, four of them at the same location.
The last reported human case in Brant was in 2020, while Haldimand–Norfolk reported a positive case last year.
Health officials say the new case is a reminder that West Nile remains active in the region, and residents should continue to take protective steps.