Mosquito pool in Waterloo tests positive for West Nile virus
![mosquito This image provided by the USDA Agricultural Research Service shows a closeup of a mosquito on human skin. (USDA Agricultural Research Service via AP)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2023/6/6/mosquito-1-6429625-1686073436138.jpg)
Mosquitos in Waterloo region have tested positive for West Nile virus.
In a news release, the Region of Waterloo said the pool of positive mosquitoes was found in the city of Waterloo. This is the first positive pool of insects in the region this year, but there have been no human cases so far.
The region’s Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Rabia Bana said although the pool was found in the city, it is an indicator that the virus is present in the region. “It is important for people to take precautions against mosquito bites when they are enjoying the outdoors, and to help control the mosquito population by removing standing water on their properties.”
Most people infected with West Nile virus will not experience any major symptoms. Symptoms typically begin to appear 3 to 15 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito and can include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen glands and a skin rash. In rare cases, severe symptoms such as a high fever, stiff neck, nausea, drowsiness, muscle weakness and confusion may develop.
The region urges residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes by using screens on windows, wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent with DEET or Icaridin and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, such as stagnant water.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029792.1725811934!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Over 200 firearms seized in Waterloo weapons investigation
According to police, during a traffic stop officers noticed firearms and ammunition inside the vehicle.
Military surplus store in Calgary, destination of celebrity shoppers, closing doors
Cher, Anthony Hopkins, Heath Ledger, Alec Baldwin and Tom Hardy are just a few of the celebrities John Cumming met while growing up in his family's military surplus store.
'It's morally wrong': A rural Alberta town reacts to homeless shelter closure
At the end of a side street in Slave Lake, Alta., Lynn Bowes looks at a grey job-site trailer with boarded-up windows and doors that once operated as her town's only homeless shelter.
'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' jolts box office with US$110 million opening weekend
After 36 years of waiting, the juice is finally loose again in 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,' this time racking up US$110 million in its premiere weekend.
Bloc Quebecois ready to extract gains for Quebec in exchange for supporting Liberals
The Bloc Québécois says its ready to wheel and deal with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's party for support during confidence votes now that the Liberal government's confidence and supply agreement with the NDP has ended.
The controversial plan to turn a desert green
Ties van der Hoeven's ambitions are nothing if not grand. The Dutch engineer wants to transform a huge stretch of inhospitable desert into green, fertile land teeming with wildlife.
Timeline: The rise and fall of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's political fortunes
In the wake of the NDP withdrawing its automatic support of the minority Liberal government, here is a timeline of key events charting the arc of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's fortunes in federal politics.
Dallas Cowboys Dak Prescott signs four-year, US$240-million contract, becomes highest-paid player in NFL history
The Dallas Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott agreed to a record four-year, US$240 million contract extension.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.