Huron Perth Public Health is asking residents to take precautions after a mosquito tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) for the first time this season. The infected batch was recently gathered from a surveillance trap located in Listowel.
Health officials noted that discovering the virus in late August is a standard seasonal trend.
“It’s not surprising to see West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in the month of August,” said Dale Lyttle, Senior Public Health Inspector. “In the late summer months, people are at greatest risk of contracting West Nile virus, so it is important to protect yourself while outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.”
Across Ontario, five human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed so far this year. While many individuals infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms or experience mild, flu-like illness, severe cases can lead to serious neurological complications.
Local health authorities advise residents to apply insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin, wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing at dusk and dawn, and regularly drain any standing water on their properties to eliminate breeding grounds.
"As part of annual mosquito surveillance, HPPH has been trapping and testing mosquitoes in locations across Huron and Perth since June 15, 2026," noted the public health statement. "Where WNV-positive mosquitoes have been historically identified, larvicide is applied to roadside catch basins over the summer months to reduce mosquito breeding. These sites include Stratford, St. Marys, Listowel and Mitchell."
