West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes in Ontario’s Arnprior and New York’s Suffolk County

The Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) announced that testing of mosquitoes collected in the town of Arnprior, Ontario, confirmed the presence of West Nile virus. Dr. Jason Morgenstern, RCDHU’s Medical Officer of Health, emphasized that while the risk of infection to the public remains low, the finding serves as a reminder to protect against mosquito bites and eliminate breeding sites. Recommended measures include wearing long‑sleeved clothing at dusk and dawn, using DEET‑based repellents, and removing standing water around homes and cottages.

In Suffolk County, New York, health officials reported that eleven mosquito samples from Bay Shore, Port Jefferson Station, Setauket, Lindenhurst, Copiague, West Babylon and Sayville tested positive for West Nile virus. This brings the seasonal total to twelve positive mosquito samples and three positive for Jamestown Canyon virus. Two dead crows found in Ronkonkoma also tested positive, indicating viral activity in the area. No human cases have been reported. County authorities urged residents, especially those over 50 or with weakened immune systems, to take similar protective actions and to report dead birds or mosquito problems to local health services.