‘Make sure that people are aware’
With Canada’s warmer-than-normal summer in 2025, some homeowners have been busy with outdoor chores. But this also gave mosquitoes a longer period of time to prey on unsuspecting humans.
Ontario resident René van den Berg spent 11 days in hospital after contracting West Nile virus (WNV) in September, CTV News reported. Rising global temperatures could speed up breeding cycles and increase the number of days mosquitoes live, experts warn, increases the risk of contracting the virus.
What happened?
Van den Berg spoke to the outlet while recovering at home, saying: “I thought at the end of August, when the temperatures cooled at night, the mosquitoes would die off.”
The backyard where he suspected he was bitten also had no standing water, a common breeding ground for mosquitoes.
He first sought medical help on September 20, when the headaches he experienced became unbearable, and he was later diagnosed with viral meningitis due to WNV.
WNV symptoms typically appear two to 15 days after a mosquito bite. Waterloo Public Health Region. Debilitating conditions like the one Van den Berg experienced affect less than 1% of people infected with WNV.
Why is this worrying?
Canadian government’s latest mosquito-borne disease surveillance lists 239 human cases of West Nile virus. Of these, the most cases (149) came from Ontario.
West Nile virus can cause muscle aches, mild fever, and skin rash. In some cases, it can be fatal, especially for older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
By the way The nation’s last reported WNV-related deaths were two people over the age of 70 in 2023, according to a government surveillance report.
In Utah, USA, senior citizens also died from WNV and Texasas well as a death due to underlying medical conditions WayneMichigan, according to CBS News.
Bernadette Moussa, acting executive director of the Waterloo Public Health Region, told CTV News that continued warm temperatures are extending the life cycle of mosquitoes across the country.
Scientists attribute this extreme weather event to a massive heat wave in the northern Pacific Ocean triggered by rising global temperatures. CBC.
What is being done about this?
Canadian news media show health officials issuing warning soon after confirmed cases in country toronto, haltonAnd Huron Perth.
Toronto General Hospital infectious diseases specialist Dr. “Make sure people know that the virus circulates at certain times of the year, and then take steps to avoid and prevent mosquito bites to prevent transmission of this infection,” Isaac Bogoch told CTV News.
Meanwhile, the Region of Waterloo Public Health shared simple ways to protect yourself, including applying repellent and wearing long-sleeved tops and pants when you’re outside, especially at dusk and dawn. Practice self-care Consult a doctor to avoid serious complications.
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