Grab the bug spray, Toronto — West Nile virus is officially here, and the symptoms alone are enough to make you want to stay indoors until fall.
Last Thursday, July 31, Toronto Public Health reported the first lab-confirmed human case of the virus in 2025, involving an adult resident in the city.
According to Health Canada, the virus is spread through mosquitoes that feed on infected birds and then pass it on to humans.
Clusters of dead birds can be a sign the virus is nearby, but it’s worth noting that Ontario no longer runs a West Nile dead bird surveillance program. So, if you do spot one on your property, avoid touching it with your bare hands.
West Nile symptoms can appear 2 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. While some people may not experience any symptoms, others may develop fevers, headaches, nausea and vomiting, body aches, skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and stiff necks.
In severe cases, especially in older adults or people with weakened immune systems, it can lead to neurological damage, paralysis, or even death.
There’s no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile virus, but testing is available through your healthcare provider.
To protect yourself, Toronto Public Health recommends that you:
- Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
- Use a Health Canada-approved insect repellent that contains DEET.
- Take extra care at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Toss any standing water on your property, including buckets, toys, planters, and even pool covers.
- Make sure your windows and doors have sealed screens.
With cases confirmed and mosquito season in full swing, this is your reminder to stay cautious and maybe give that backyard puddle a second look!
More info is available on Toronto’s official West Nile virus page.
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