Hamilton mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus

The City of Hamilton is warning the public about an increased risk for West Nile Virus.

The city’s medical officer of health has moved the risk of the virus from low to moderate after a batch of mosquitoes trapped this week tested positive for the virus.

These are the first WNV-positive mosquitoes reported in Hamilton this year.

Residents are being reminded to protect themselves against mosquito bites and to remove standing water from private property to prevent mosquito breeding.

“This summer take precautions to avoid illnesses spread by insects including West Nile Virus,” said Dr. Bart Harvey, Associate Medical Officer of Health.

“Employing simple preventive measures such as using insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin, and wearing loose fitting, light-colored clothing will reduce your risk while you enjoy the outdoors.”

Mosquitoes collected in Burlington last week also tested positive for the virus.

You can find an interactive map of locations where West Nile Virus positive mosquitoes have been found here.