West Nile virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after biting infected birds.

Most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito have no symptoms and do not get sick. Some people such as the elderly and those with a weakened immune system may have flu-like symptoms. Very rarely, they have serious complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, acute flaccid paralysis and even death.

Since 2005, the Health Unit has been trapping and testing mosquitoes during the summer months. This helps us to know if mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus are living in Renfrew County and District. West Nile virus was found in mosquitoes in Renfrew County for the first time in the summer of 2017.

News release August 1, 2017 West Nile virus found in mosquitoes in Renfrew County

News release August 9, 2017 West Nile virus continues to be found in mosquitoes in Renfrew County

Government of Ontario – West Nile virus