West Nile Virus
West Nile virus is carried by mosquitoes and can cause serious illness. The virus spreads when a mosquito feeds on an infected bird and then bites a person.
On this page:
Monitoring West Nile virus
Public Health runs an annual program to monitor and prevent West Nile virus in Waterloo Region. This includes:
- Monitoring the presence of the virus in mosquitoes and people
- Identifying and mapping mosquito breeding grounds
- Trapping and testing mosquitoes
- Controlling mosquito populations by removing places where mosquitoes breed
- Applying larvicide to areas where mosquito larvae has been found, according to provincial guidelines
Protect yourself
Reduce standing water outside your home:
- Store items such as wheelbarrows upside down
- Change bird bath water twice a week
- Cover rain barrels with a fine mesh screen
- Clear eaves troughs and down spouts of leaves and twigs
Use screens to keep mosquitoes outside:
- Fix holes in window screens
- Make sure screen fits snugly
- Close windows and doors that don't have screens
Protect yourself:
- Wear light-coloured clothing
- Wear long sleeves and pants and a hat
- Wear socks and closed-toe shoes
- Use insect repellent with DEET or Icaridin
Prevent Exposure to West Nile Virus - Video
Symptoms
Most people do not have any symptoms. For those who do become ill, symptoms can start three to 15 days following the bite of an infected mosquito.
Symptoms may include:
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Stiff neck
- Swollen glands
- Skin rash
- In rare cases, more severe symptoms can develop
If you develop these symptoms it is important to seek medical attention.
What to do with dead birds
Do not approach or handle dead birds. Visit Wild birds for information on how to report and dispose of dead birds.
