Five locals from Halton have been diagnosed with West Nile virus.
First Human Cases of West Nile Virus Reported in Halton Region
In a recent development, Halton Region Public Health has confirmed five cases of West Nile virus among its residents, marking the first human cases for the region in 2025. Dr. Patrick Galange, the Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region, is at the forefront of managing the situation.
Dr. Galange has advised Halton residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their families against mosquito bites and remove potential mosquito breeding sites. He emphasised the importance of avoiding standing water in outdoor items such as planters, toys, and pool covers, as these can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
The West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While about 80% of individuals infected with the virus will have no symptoms, some may develop fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. In severe cases, approximately one in a hundred people infected may develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system, which may present as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).
To mitigate the risk of West Nile virus, Halton Region Public Health is implementing education and preventative programs like larviciding. These measures aim to reduce the mosquito population and, consequently, the risk of transmission of the virus.
The cases were reported on September 15th, 2025, in Burlington, ON. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the situation and to follow the advice of public health officials to protect themselves and their families.
As the situation unfolds, Dr. Galange and the Halton Region Public Health team will continue their efforts to control the spread of the West Nile virus and keep the community safe.
