Waterloo Region – Public Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus for 2026 in Waterloo Region. Three local human cases were reported in 2025.  

“Residents should continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites until we experience the first frost,” said Dr. Rabia Bana, Associate Medical Officer of Health. “Despite recent cooler fall weather, we have not yet reached the temperature to halt mosquito activity. Take precautions while spending time outdoors and remove any standing water on your property to help reduce mosquito breeding.”

Most people do not experience any symptoms when infected with West Nile virus. For those who do, symptoms occur 2 to 15 days following an infected mosquito bite. Symptoms may include mild fever, headache, muscle aches, stiff neck, swollen glands and skin rash. Less than one per cent of human cases develop more severe symptoms. People who develop symptoms of West Nile virus after getting a mosquito bite should seek medical attention. 

Residents can protect themselves from mosquitoes in these ways:

• Use screens on your windows. 
• Wear light-coloured clothing, with 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 around your home by preventing and removing standing water on your property.
• Clean up brush and debris that could act as mosquito breeding areas.

In addition to avoiding exposure to West Nile virus from mosquito bites, it is recommended that you do not handle any sick or dead birds.

Public Health conducts various activities to protect residents such as case investigation, mosquito testing for West Nile virus and larviciding throughout the summer to control the mosquito population.   

For more information, visit: regionofwaterloo.ca/WestNileVirus.  

-30-