Region confirms first case of West Nile infection in 2018

Less than a month after public health confirmed the presence of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes, a case of the infection in a human is now being reported for the first time this year in Niagara.

Public health spokesperson Meredith Maxwell said details on what municipality the affected individual is from will not be disclosed in an effort to protect their personal health information.

Last year, there were eight Niagara cases reported involving humans carrying the virus, six in 2016 and less than five in 2015.

Even though most people infected with West Nile Virus do not get sick, 20 per cent of them suffer flu-like symptoms and fatigue, while one per cent suffer serious infections of the brain such as meningitis.

Fever, severe headache, body aches, neck stiffness, confusion, weakness, tremors, and sudden sensitivity to light are the most common symptoms of severe infection, says public health.

One in 150 cases are much more serious and can cause serious neurological problems with humans. There are a number of measures people can take to prevent exposure to the virus, such as wearing long pants and sleeves, using repellants, and draining standing water from areas where mosquitoes may breed.

Residents with enquiries about mosquito bite prevention can call 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074, ext. 7767. Further information concerning West Nile Virus-related illness can be found on the Region’s website.