A third person has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Ottawa this summer. Ottawa Public Health reported two cases of the mosquito-borne virus last week, the first cases in Ottawa in 2026. According to statistics on the public health website, a third human case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed, as of Sept. 17. A total of 27 mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus this summer. West Nile Virus is spread by mosquitoes. “Unlike most mosquitoes found deep in the forest or in wilderness environments, WNV is spread mainly by Culex pipiens mosquitoes, a type of mosquito that thrives in urban settings, around homes, neighbourhood parks, and places where water collects,” Ottawa Public Health said on its website. “Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of severe illness from WNV, but anyone can be infected. It’s important for residents to continue to prevent mosquito bites until the first hard frost, including using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants at dusk/dawn, and removing standing water around their home.” The health unit offers the following tips to eliminate mosquitoes around your property: Earlier this summer, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in the eastern Ontario region.
