West Nile Virus Found in British Columbia Mosquitoes

The West Nile virus has been found in B.C. for the first time, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

Mosquitoes collected in a trap in B.C's south Okanagan have tested positive for the virus, officials said. The centre is also investigating possible cases of the virus in two Kelowna residents who had traveled in the south Okanagan region.

"These cases are unusual. We have had 40 people in B.C. so far who have tested positive for the West Nile virus, but all of them had traveled outside the province, so this is the first time that we have confirmed activity actually in B.C." said Dr. Bonnie Henry.

The people undergoing testing are members of the same family and both are in their 40s. Officials expect final test results early next week.

The people did not require hospitalization and are both recovering.

Officials say they have been anticipating the arrival of West Nile virus in B.C. for several years and have good surveillance system to monitor the spread of the virus.

The public is asked to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to clean up any pools of standing water, which can act as breeding grounds for the insects.