One person dies from West Nile virus in Haldimand-Norfolk

One person has died in the Haldimand-Norfolk region as a result of West Nile virus.

In total, the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit said Wednesday it has identified six human cases of West Nile.

The most recent data from the health unit’s West Nile surveillance program shows five mosquito pools have tested positive for the virus. Those include two in Cayuga and one in Simcoe, Dunnville and Caledonia.

“The positive human cases and positive mosquito pools is a clear indication that (the) threat of West Nile virus is present within our region,” Kwesi Douglas, HNHU program manager of environmental health, said in a news release.

Last year, there was one confirmed human case of the virus in the Haldimand and Norfolk areas, according to a news release from the health unit.

In Hamilton, the medical officer of health has the city’s West Nile virus risk level at “high.” The city has confirmed six human cases so far this year, according to its website. The last time a person died in Hamilton related to the virus was 2012.

In Halton Region, there have been two confirmed human cases of West Nile — one in Burlington and another in Oakville.

According to the HaldimandNorfolk Health Unit release, West Nile activity usually peaks later in the summer, with cases reported into the autumn months. The virus is expected to continue to pose a risk until the temperature drops below freezing.

To protect themselves from West Nile, the health unit is advising the public to:

• Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET;

• Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active;

• Wear light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and pants;

• Eliminate standing water on your property.

Most people infected will not have symptoms, while others might experience fever, headache and body aches, the health unit said.

Those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of more serious health effects, including meningitis, encephalitis and acute flaccid paralysis.

The health unit advises anyone experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention.