Mosquito Traps in Lindsay Tested Positive for West Nile Virus

(August 24, 2026) – Lakelands Public Health is advising residents that ongoing mosquito surveillance across the region has identified evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) activity, including mosquitoes testing positive for WNV in the Lindsay area. There have not been any human WNV cases in the Lakelands region this year, to date, but as mosquito activity continues through late summer, residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

"Lakelands Public Health continues to monitor mosquito activity across the region through regular trapping and testing," said Anne Marie Holt, Director of Health Protection with Lakelands Public Health. "The identification of positive mosquito pools serves as an important reminder that residents should take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites and reduce mosquito breeding sites around their homes."

West Nile virus is spread primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. However, some individuals may experience mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or a skin rash. In rare cases, severe illness affecting the brain or nervous system can occur, with older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems at greater risk.

Protect Yourself: Cover Up and Clean Up

Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:
Cover Up

• Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and light-coloured clothing when outdoors, especially between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin and follow the manufacturer's directions.
• Ensure window and door screens fit tightly and are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

Clean Up

• Remove standing water around your property where mosquitoes can breed, including in bird baths, flowerpots, buckets, wheelbarrows, old tires, tarps and toys.
• Clean eavestroughs regularly to prevent water accumulation.
• Remove thick brush and keep grass and vegetation trimmed.
  
  

"While mosquito surveillance helps us understand local West Nile virus activity, a negative trap result does not mean the virus is absent from a community," added Holt. "Everyone should continue taking preventive measures throughout the mosquito season."

For more information about West Nile virus, mosquito bite prevention and reducing mosquito breeding sites, visit LakelandsPH.ca/WNV.

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Media Contact
Ashley Ann Beaulac, SCMP©, B.A. Hons
Communications Manager
Lakelands Public Health
media@lakelandsph.ca

About Lakelands Public Health 
Lakelands Public Health is the public health agency that is proud to serve Alderville, Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, the Urban Indigenous Community, the Counties of Haliburton, Northumberland, City of Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough City and County. It is through our relationships and valued partnerships that Lakelands Public Health strives to protect health, prevent illness, injury, all while promoting overall well-being for all who live, work and learn in the region.  

Established through the voluntary merger of the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health, Lakelands Public Health combines local knowledge, public health expertise, and a strong community focus to deliver programs and services that respond to local needs. These include infectious disease prevention and control, healthy living initiatives, environmental health, school and family health programs, and emergency preparedness. For more information, visit LakelandsPH.ca.