Health officials in Peel and York regions have confirmed the first human cases of West Nile virus in 2026. In a news release issued Wednesday, officials in Peel did not say where in the region the virus was contracted, but that the infection serves as a reminder for residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, “even into the fall months.” Peel reported on July 27 that it had identified the first mosquitoes in the area positive for West Nile virus. Since then, they said that its health unit had continued to monitor mosquito activity across Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon. In York, officials said its confirmed case was recorded in Vaughan. The public health unit added that human cases of West Nile are not unusual and the region sees “a few” cases each year around this time. The news comes after the Toronto Public Health reported a positive human case of the virus in July. Last year, the city reported 26 human cases of West Nile. In 2024, there were 14 confirmed cases. Symptoms of West Nile usually develop between two and 14 days after someone is bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches, skin rash, swollen lymph glands and stiff neck. Health officials are advising residents to apply an approved insect repellent containing an ingredient effecting against mosquitoes, such as DEET or icaridin, to exposed skin and clothing while outdoors. Infants younger than six months old should not use an insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin. Instead, use a mosquito net when babies are outdoors in a crib or stroller.
