First Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Niagara This Year

An Alert from Niagara Region Public Health

Posted July 31^st, 2026 on Niagara At Large

Niagara Region Public Health is informing residents of the first confirmation of mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in 2026.

West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Though the risk to most individuals is low, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin, following  Health Canada’s [https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/about-pesticides/insect-repellents.html] tips on personal insect repellents.
• Remove standing water on your property regularly, including bird baths, old tires, pails, toys and wheelbarrows.Ensure all windows and doors in your home have screens that are in good condition.

West Nile virus symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, and in rare cases, serious neurological illnesses such as meningitis. Most people infected with West Nile virus do not show symptoms, but the risk of severe illness increases with age and for those with weakened immune systems.

Every year Niagara Region Public Health runs a weekly mosquito surveillance, management and prevention program between June and September. Traps are set across the region to collect mosquitoes, which are tested at the laboratory to help identify West Nile virus. This work is supported by a larvicide program that helps to reduce mosquito populations.

This positive pool of mosquitoes was collected from one of our public health traps located in the region. As of this release, no human West Nile virus cases have been identified in Niagara in 2026.

Residents with inquiries about West Nile Virus can call 905-688-8248 ext. 7590 or 1-888-505-6074.  Learn more about West Nile virus and how to protect yourself. [https://www.niagararegion.ca/living/health_wellness/wnv/default.aspx]

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