West Nile virus discovered in area

Area mosquitoes have again tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) and Ottawa Public Health warns residents to protect themselves outdoors. The health body noted the positive results have come early in the season, indicating 2017 may have higher than usual WNV activity. Residents are urged to cover up as much as possible and to try to eliminate standing water in which mosquitoes can lay eggs. While “most people will not develop any symptoms if infected with WNV,” the agency notes about 20 per cent may experience flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches and possibly a rash. Less than one per cent of the population is susceptible to the most serious infections, in which WNV invades the central nervous system. Susceptibility increases with age, as well as in people with weakened immune systems, the agency said. There have been no reported confirmed or probable human cases of WNV in Ottawa this year and only one in Ontario as of July 26. There were two confirmed or probable cases in Ottawa in 2016 and 49 in the province. OPH urges residents to: apply a Health Canada-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET or Icaridin to exposed skin and clothing; protect themselves, especially between dusk and dawn, and at any time in shady, wooded areas; wear light-coloured and tightly woven clothing such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks to protect exposed skin; make sure all windows and doors in their homes have screens in good condition; reduce standing water around their homes (anything that can hold water for seven days or longer); and ensure all openings to rain barrels are covered with screen mesh at all times.