Niagara Region Public Health confirms first human case of West Nile virus in 2026

September 9, 2026

Niagara Region Public Health has reported its first laboratory-confirmed human case of West Nile virus infection in 2026.

The case was confirmed in St. Catharines, 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. Hamidah Meghani, Niagara Region Associate Medical Officer of Health. “At this point in the summer season, conditions are ideal for 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.”

In August of 2026, Niagara Region Public Health identified the Aedes albopictus mosquito, also known as the Tiger mosquito, through its ongoing surveillance program. This species is known to be an aggressive daytime biter, so it is important for residents to protect themselves throughout the day. The community can learn more about this mosquito by reading the media release dated August 18, 2026.

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

Use insect repellents containing DEET, Icaridin, or other approved ingredients whenever spending time outdoors, and always follow label directions.
Empty standing water from buckets, animal dishes, bird baths, flowerpots, tarps, and old tires.
Clean and maintain eavestroughs and gutters to ensure proper drainage.
Ensure door and window screens fit securely and are free of holes.
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat when outdoors. Light-coloured clothing is recommended, as mosquitoes are often attracted to darker colours.

In addition to ongoing mosquito surveillance, Niagara Region Public Health runs 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.

Further information regarding West Nile virus illness and how to reduce the risk of infection can be found on our website or by calling Public Health at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074, ext. 7590

Media contact

Daniella DiSimoni
Communications Advisor
Niagara Region Public Health & Emergency Services
daniella.disimoni@niagararegion.ca