A mosquito trap in Markham has tested positive for the West Nile virus.
The trap is in the area of Steeles Avenue East and Bayview Avenue, according to a York Region news release.
It is one of many traps set up by the region to monitor virus activity among mosquitoes.
“West Nile virus can cause serious illness and is passed to humans if they are bitten by an infected mosquito,” said Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region’s medical officer of health. “Although the chance of being bitten by an infected mosquito is rare, residents are advised to take precautions when outside in the early morning and evening to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the chance of getting West Nile virus.”
Precautions include using bug spray containing DEET or icaridin, wearing long-sleeved, light colours as mosquitoes are attracted to darker clothes, and minimizing outdoor activities at dusk and dawn.
At home, residents are encouraged to clean or remove standing water like bird baths, pool covers, flower pots, toys and sandboxes and ensure that window screens are tight to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside.
In York Region, larvicide is used in catch basins along regional and municipal roads to control mosquito breeding.
No human cases of the virus have been reported in the region for 2021.
