The reminder follows reports of a human case of West Nile virus in Simcoe County, along with five birds and one horse that tested positive for the virus. These findings indicate West Nile virus is circulating in the community. The health unit notes that more infections likely occur than are reported because many people contract the virus do not become ill or seek medical attention.

West Nile virus circulates between birds and some species of mosquitoes. People can become infected if bitten by a mosquito that has first bitten an infected bird.

The health unit recommends following these steps to prevent mosquito bites:

• Use an insect repellent approved for use in Canada and follow label instructions.
• Wear light-coloured clothing and cover exposed skin with long sleeves, long pants, socks and a hat when mosquitoes are present.
• Remove standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
• Make sure window and door screens are in good condition to help keep mosquitoes out.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not get sick, but some can become seriously ill. Symptoms can include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache and sensitivity to light. Anyone with these symptoms should seek medical care.

The health unit monitors mosquitoes across Simcoe Muskoka through trapping, testing and larval checks during the summer. Local surveillance data is available on the health unit’s HealthSTATS Infectious Diseases and Insect and Animal Surveillance dashboards.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit smdhu.org/WNv.

The post West Nile Virus Still A Risk Into Fall, Health Unit Says appeared first on Muskoka411.

This is the first lab-confirmed evidence of WNv in Simcoe Muskoka in 2025. As of July 25, 2025, no confirmed mosquito pools or human cases of WNv have been reported this year.

West Nile virus circulates between birds and some species of mosquitoes. The virus can be transmitted to humans by a mosquito bite if the mosquito has first bitten an infected bird. The risk of contracting WNv from an infected mosquito is highest in late summer and the health unit recommends the following personal protection measures:

• Use an approved mosquito repellent, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Wear light-coloured clothing and cover up in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active – at dusk and dawn – when possible.

Although most people will not become sick if bitten by an infected mosquito, WNv can cause severe illness in some people. Symptoms of WNv include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache and a sudden sensitivity to light. In rare cases, the virus may cause serious illnesses of the brain. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice.

The health unit continues its surveillance for the virus throughout Simcoe Muskoka.

Anyone with concerns about a sick or dead bird can contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) at 1-866-673-4781.

For more information about West Nile virus, visit smdhu.org/WNv.

The post Bird Found In Bradford West Gwillimbury Tests Positive For West Nile Virus appeared first on Muskoka411.

As of Aug. 12, no confirmed human cases of the mosquito-borne viral disease have been reported in Simcoe Muskoka in 2024. However, a dead bird found in Oro-Medonte in July also tested positive for WNv.

West Nile virus circulates between birds and some species of mosquitoes. The virus can be transmitted to humans by a mosquito bite, if the mosquito has first bitten an infected bird.

“We monitor mosquito populations by setting mosquito traps and looking for larvae in selected locations,” says Ramien Sereshk, program coordinator of SMDHU’s Healthy Environment and Vector-Borne Diseases program. “Positive test results are a reminder that we all need to continue to take appropriate measures to protect ourselves against WNv at this time of year, and the best way to do this is by protecting yourself from mosquito bites.”

The risk of contracting WNv from an infected mosquito is highest in late summer. The health unit recommends the following personal protection measures:

1. Use an approved mosquito repellent and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Wear light-coloured clothing and cover up in areas where mosquitoes are present.

Although most people will not become sick if bitten by an infected mosquito, WNv can cause severe illness in some people. Symptoms of WNv include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache and a sudden sensitivity to light. In very rare cases, the virus may cause serious neurological illness. Those experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice.

The health unit continues its surveillance for the virus throughout Simcoe Muskoka for the remainder of the summer.

Anyone with concerns about a dead bird can contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) at 1-866-673-4781.

For more information about WNv visit smdhu.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The post West Nile Virus Surveillance Testing Finds Positive Pool In Barrie appeared first on Muskoka411.

This is the first human case to be confirmed in Simcoe Muskoka this year.

WNv circulates between birds and some species of mosquitoes. The virus can be transmitted to humans by a mosquito bite if the mosquito has first bitten an infected bird. Locally, the health unit’s surveillance program has shown that WNv activity remains within local and historical norms.

During the late summer and early fall, people may feel that the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes is reduced. However, mosquitoes continue to be active and people need to take precautions to protect themselves from the virus. To stay safe, the health unit recommends the following personal protection measures:

• Use an approved insect repellent and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Wear light-coloured clothing, covering arms and legs in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• Try to stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active (dusk to dawn).

Although most people will not become sick if bitten by an infected mosquito, WNv can cause severe illness in some people. Symptoms of WNv include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache and a sudden sensitivity to light. In very rare cases, the virus may cause serious neurological illness. Those experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice.

For more information about West Nile virus and protecting yourself from mosquito bites, visit SMDHU.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The post Human Case Of West Nile Virus Identified In Simcoe County appeared first on Muskoka411.