Mosquitoes in Niagara have tested positive for West Nile Virus for the first time this year, Niagara Region Public Health confirmed on July 21.
The infected mosquitoes were found in Welland, but all residents in the region are urged to take precautions.
While the risk to most people is low, health officials say using insect repellent, wearing long clothing at dawn and dusk, ensuring home windows have screens and draining standing water can reduce the chance of infection.
At the time of the release, no human cases have been reported in Niagara in 2025.
Gillian Dilts, environmental health manager at Niagara Region Public Health, told The Lake Report that NOTL had zero positive mosquito pools in 2022, five in 2023, four in 2024 and none so far this year.
One mosquito trap is currently active in town until the end of September, part of a region-wide surveillance program, he said.
The town’s communications co-ordinator, Marah Minor, said town staff check parks for standing water — a breeding ground for mosquitoes — and remove it where possible, working with the region to use larvicide if water can’t be cleared.
Residents with questions can call 905-688-8248, ext. 7590, or 1-888-505-6074.
More information on the virus, prevention tips and updates can be found on the Niagara Region’s website.
