Public Health confirms first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile Virus this season

Waterloo Region – Three mosquito surveillance traps have tested positive for West Nile virus: one in Cambridge, one in Kitchener and one in the Township of Wilmot. These are the first mosquitoes in the region to test positive in 2025. There have been no reported human cases of West Nile virus in Waterloo Region to date in 2025. 

"These three mosquito traps testing positive confirm that West Nile virus is present in the region," says Associate Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Rabia Bana. "Protecting yourself against mosquito bites while spending time outdoors is important. It is also important to remove standing water from your property to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds." 

Most people do not experience any symptoms when infected with West Nile virus. For those who do, symptoms occur three to 15 days following an infected mosquito bite. Symptoms may include mild fever, headache, muscle aches, stiff neck, swollen glands and skin rash. In rare cases, more severe symptoms can develop. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek medical attention. 

Protect yourself from mosquitoes

• Use screens on your windows
• Wear light-coloured clothing
• Wear long sleeves, pants and a hat
• Wear socks and closed-toe shoes
• Use insect repellent with DEET or Icaridin according to manufacturer recommendations
• When possible, avoid being outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active

Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds

• Don’t allow outdoor objects to collect water
• Cover rain barrels with a fine mesh screen
• Change the water in birdbaths at least once a week
• Keep pool covers free of standing water
• Where possible, prevent water from collecting in ditches or in low-lying areas on your property
• Clean up brush and debris that could act as mosquito breeding areas
• Aerate ornamental ponds and fountains so that water does not sit still

For more information about West Nile virus visit regionofwaterloo.ca/FightTheBite.  

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