Humans and animals can become exposed to West Nile Virus (WNV) and other mosquito-borne diseases if they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Most people infected with WNV do not show symptoms. Others can get fever, head and body aches, fatigue, rash, meningitis, or encephalitis.
Other mosquito-borne diseases include Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). EEE is a serious illness if contracted. Symptoms of EEE may include fever, headache, vomiting, respiratory symptoms, dizziness, decreasing level of consciousness, tremors, seizures, and neurological issues.
We can all work to prevent mosquito-borne diseases by:
- Applying insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin sparingly to clothing and exposed skin areas, following recommendations by Health Canada and the Canadian Pediatric Society.
- Taking extra care when spending time outdoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitos are most active.
- Wear light-coloured, long sleeved shirts and pants.
- Ensuring windows and door screens are in good repair to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Eliminating standing water around the home where mosquitoes breed, such as in bird baths, rain gutters, and planters.
Local Information
2023 Vector-Borne Diseases (VBD) Surveillance Protection Plan
2023 Statistics
Incidence rate is the number of new cases of disease divided by the number of persons at risk for the disease during a particular time period.
Cases:
0*
*Includes confirmed and probable cases in 2023.
Incidence rate per 100,000 in 2023: 0
Incidence rate per 100,000 of West Nile Virus illness by year
Data Sources |
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More Information About WNV and EEE |
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WNV: EEE:
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Reporting |
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Report to the Health Unit by next business day by phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if WNV is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7. For Encephalitis reporting requirements, see our Encephalitis page. |
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have WNV? |
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No exclusion necessary as it is not spread person to person, unless too ill to participate in regular activities. For Encephalitis exclusion guidelines, see our Encephalitis page. |
Healthcare Provider Information |
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For more information, contact our:
Environmental Health (EH) Program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5400, or by email to environmental.health@healthunit.ca
Communicable Disease Control (CDC) Program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca
Last updated: September 2024, by CDC and EH