Mosquito Surveillance Data
Since 2003, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has been conducting mosquito surveillance for West Nile Virus (WNV) in Simcoe County and District of Muskoka by trapping and testing adult mosquitoes to determine whether they are carrying WNV, or Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV).
SMDHU also collects larval samples from catch basins, ditches and storm retention ponds to count how many and what kind of mosquito larvae are present and breeding in our area. Larvae are the immature form of the insect that have not yet become adult mosquitoes capable of biting and transmitting disease. This surveillance data helps to guide local decision making and risk assessments, and to identify areas where an increased risk of exposure to virus may exist.
Source:
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
Data Notes:
- Trap sites are selected based on where mosquitoes known to transmit WNV are known to breed (urban areas), and in areas populated by humans. These sites are usually secure locations, such as a homeowner’s backyard.
- Adult mosquito trap site locations are usually in the same spot year over year, but sites may move or new sites may be added in response to the previous year’s mosquito surveillance or to human cases of WNV.
Data Used in the Following Dashboards:
