A vector is a living organism (typically an insect) that can transmit a disease causing organism. Examples of vectorborne diseases present in our region are West Nile Virus (WNV) and Lyme disease. Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV), although rare in humans, is also present in Ontario.
West Nile Virus and EEEV are transmitted by certain types of mosquitoes and Lyme disease by blacklegged ticks across the Province, including in Simcoe and Muskoka.
The risk of human exposure to vectorborne diseases is dependent on the presence of the vectors (e.g. mosquitoes and ticks) that can transmit a disease, and the whether the vectors are infected with a pathogen. There are a number of preventive measures individuals can take to protect themselves from exposure to mosquitoes and ticks.
This HealthSTATS section looks at the presence of mosquito and tick vectors in our area, the presence of mosquito-borne and tick-borne illnesses, and protective behaviours in our community to prevent vectorborne disease.