WEST NILE VIRUS

Summer Season Means Mosquito Season in Ontario

Mosquitoes. They’ve always been a summer-time nuisance, especially for anyone who likes to spend time outdoors. But since the appearance of the West Nile virus here in Ontario, they’ve become a little more than just pesky.

Only a few species of mosquitoes found here in Ontario carry West Nile virus. The most common is Culex pipiens (nicknamed the rain barrel mosquito), which lives near humans, much like the common housefly. Scientific research indicates that four out of five people bitten by a mosquito infected with West Nile virus do not show any symptoms of the illness. The risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito depends on how many virus-carrying mosquitoes are present in a specific area.

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care is the government lead on West Nile virus protection and control in Ontario. Regional and municipal health authorities decide what mosquito control measures will be carried out locally, by monitoring the status of the virus – including in provincial parks. Ontario Parks supports regional health units in their efforts to educate people how they can fight the bite. Health authorities will decide, in consultation with Natural Resources and Environment ministry officials, whether there is a need to spray to control mosquitoes in campgrounds, wetlands and other sensitive natural areas within provincial parks this summer.

Spraying to curb the spread of West Nile virus has environmental, health and practical concerns. Preventing mosquito bites before they happen is still the best weapon in our effort to control the spread of the West Nile virus in people.

• You can protect yourself and your family when visiting our provincial parks this summer. Use a mosquito repellent containing no more than 30 per cent DEET for adults and no more than 10 per cent for children. Apply repellent lightly to exposed skin and clothing, according to the manufacturer’s directions, and do not use it under clothing.
  
• Because mosquitoes are attracted to darker colours on which they can hide from their own predators, wear lighter clothing. And, if you’re outside at night wear long-sleeved shirts or jackets and long pants.

 

 

 

 

Last Modified: May 7, 2003
Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2007