Niagara Region Public Health confirms first human case of West Nile virus in 2025

August 21, 2025

Niagara Region Public Health has reported its first laboratory-confirmed human case of West Nile virus infection in 2025.

The case was confirmed in Niagara Falls, but all Niagara residents and visitors are encouraged to take steps to protect themselves and their families against mosquito bites and West Nile virus.

While most people infected with West Nile virus do not experience symptoms, 20 per cent of people will experience flu-like symptoms and fatigue if infected with the virus. One per cent of people infected will experience severe symptoms and health effects including severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, weakness, and sensitivity to light. Older individuals or those with compromised immune systems are at a greater risk of developing severe symptoms.

“This year’s first human case of West Nile Virus in Niagara is an important signal that the virus is actively circulating,” says Dr. Azim Kasmani, Niagara Region Medical Officer of Health. “At this point in the summer season, conditions are conducive to mosquito activity. Now is the time for everyone to be proactive in protecting themselves and their families by taking precautions to reduce mosquito bites and remove mosquito breeding grounds around their homes.”

To prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus, Public Health recommends residents:

Drain standing water around the home where mosquitoes may breed (e.g., bird baths, plant saucers, tires, toys, pails, and wheelbarrows)
Repair damaged doors and window screens
Avoid mosquito-infested areas such as ponds
Wear long-sleeved shirts, hats, long pants, socks and shoes that cover the feet, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
Use insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin, and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions

Niagara Region Public Health is also doing its part to help reduce the risk of West Nile virus in Niagara. Each summer, we run a larviciding program to help control mosquito populations in public spaces. This includes applying larvicide to municipal and private catch basins, ditches, stormwater retention ponds and other standing water sources where mosquitoes are known to breed. The larvicide used is approved by Health Canada and poses no risk to human health.

Residents with inquiries about West Nile Virus can call 905-688-8248 ext. 7590 or 1-888-505-6074. Learn more about West Nile virus.

Media contact

Celia Carr
Niagara Region Public Health
905-688-8248
celia.carr@niagararegion.ca