Human case of West Nile Virus confirmed
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus this summer in the region. This comes after mosquitoes were positively tested for the virus in Mid-July. Until now, human cases had only been confirmed in other regions of the province.
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) has been actively monitoring mosquitoes in Eastern Ontario for the West Nile virus throughout the entire summer; collecting and testing mosquitoes in the region. The precise location of the source of the virus is not known, however the confirmation of a human case of the West Nile virus maintains that the virus is still indeed a concern in the area.
Although, the risk of illness from the West Nile virus is relatively low for most people, it can still cause serious illness to some – such as seniors, who can see the onset of meningitis. However, there are no further details regarding the state of the confirmed case.
The EOHU has issued several precautions that residents should be taking against mosquitoes and in order to prevent the risk of catching the virus. Several of these measures include being cautious in ensuring that mosquitoes do not enter the house and to avoid being outside at dusk and dawn, as mosquitoes are most active at these times of day. According to the EOHU, it is also important to use federally registered repellents that contain DEET, to wear light-coloured clothing, and to be sure that anything left outside (i.e. containers, pool covers, toys, flowerpot saucers) are emptied of any water.