West Nile Virus (WNV) is transmitted through the bite of 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. Exposure to WNV can be prevented by reducing mosquito development sites (i.e., standing water) and using personal protection against mosquitoes.
More Information About West Nile Virus |
English: Public Health Agency of Canada and Ministry of Health Français: Agence de la santé publique du Canada et Ministère de la Santé How to Prevent Mosquitoes from Breeding ¦ Comment empêcher les moustiques de se multiplier Mosquito Bite Protection ¦ Protection contre les piqûres de moustique Information for Schools ¦ Renseignements à l'intention des écoles Public Health Agency of Canada - Personal Insect Repellents: English and Français |
Local Information |
2023 Vector-Borne Diseases (VBD) Surveillance Protection Plan |
Reporting |
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 West Nile Virus 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. |
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have West Nile Virus? |
No exclusion necessary as it is not spread person to person, unless too ill to participate in regular activities. |
Healthcare Provider Information |
Public Health Ontario: West Nile Virus Infectious Disease Protocol, Appendix 1: West Nile Virus Illness Public Health Agency of Canada: For Health Professionals - West Nile Virus Public Health Agency of Canada: National Case Definition - West Nile Virus |
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: July 16, 2024