Mosquito trap in Windsor-Essex captures known carriers of Zika and West Nile viruses

Two mosquitoesthat are capable of carrying the Zika and West Nile viruses have been trapped in the Windsor region.

The Aedesalbopictusmosquitoes also known as Asian Tiger Mosquitoes were captured by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit in May and have not tested positive foreither virus.

After the discovery of theAedesspecies in the area in 2016,the health unit conducted 'enhanced mosquito surveillance' to monitor for the presence of theAedesspecies inWindsor and Essex County.

In 2017, three adultAedes albopictus mosquitoes were identified in enhanced mosquito traps.

"Keeping our community informed about infectious diseases and the local mosquito surveillance programs is a key role of public health," said Wajid Ahmed, Acting Medical Officer of Health at theWindsor-Essex County Health Unit.

"The discovery of the Asian tiger mosquitoes again this year is an important reminder to everyone that we should continue to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites."

The greatest risk to contracting the Zikavirus continues to be centred on those who have travelled toZika-risk areas such as South America, the Caribbean and Florida or who are or have been in sexual contact with recent travellers of those areas.

Aedesalbopictus

Unlike many Ontario mosquitoes,Aedes albopictusmosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters, with peaks in activity in the early morning and late afternoon.

These mosquitoes do not breed in ponds, puddles or marshes. They typically lay eggs in and near standing water in items such as buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases.

It is important to change water regularly especially in pet dishes and water in bird baths.

Individuals can protect themselves from mosquito bites by:

• Using insect repellents that contain DEET, Icaridin or other approved ingredients on clothing as well as exposed skin.
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat when outdoors light-coloured clothing preferred.
• Makingsure doors and window screens fit securely and are free of holes

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will further investigate the site where the two adultAedes albopictusmosquitoes were found.