West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Renfrew County.
Dr. Jason Morgenstern, Medical Officer of Health for Renfrew County and District Health Unit, said while the risk of infection is low, it is an important reminder for everyone to prevent mosquito bites and reduce breeding sites.
The health unit said in a release that the virus was detected in a sample of mosquitoes collected in Arnprior, the first detection in the county this year.
No human cases of the virus have been reported in the county in 2026.
The health unit monitors West Nile virus activity through 13 mosquito trapping locations across Renfrew County and District. Mosquitoes from the traps are collected weekly and tested for the virus during the summer.
The virus can spread to people through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Four out of five people infected will not show symptoms, while others may have symptoms of fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and vomiting.
Recommendations from the health unit to prevent the spread of the virus include wearing long-sleeved shirts, jackets, long pants, hats, and socks; applying Health Canada approved insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin on exposed skin; removing any standing water around the home, cottage, or campsite; keeping bushes and shrubs clear of overgrowth and debris and turning over compost piles on a regular basis.
For more information about West Nile virus including tips on how you can protect yourself and
your family, visit the health unit website.
