West Nile confirmed
Tips on prevention as two cases of virus verified in Peterborough and surrounding area
The first confirmed case of West Nile virus has been identified in the Peterborough area.
Peterborough Public Health announced the finding Friday.
“With confirmation of our first human case of the season, we encourage residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of West Nile virus in our area,” stated Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, medical officer of health, in a release. “The wet summer is giving mosquitoes more places to breed, so we urge residents to keep their properties clean of standing water and brush and protect themselves from mosquito bites.”
Public Health Ontario’s most recent West Nile virus surveillance data indicates that as of Aug. 12, there have been eight reported (probable or confirmed) human cases of West Nile virus throughout Ontario this year.
It’s a similar situation in neighbouring areas.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit has confirmed a resident within its region has been infected with the West Nile virus.
The person was not hospitalized and is currently recovering, noted a release from the Health Unit, adding this is the first human case of West Nile virus reported in its region since 2012.
The local health unit covers the areas of Northumberland County, Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.
“The discovery of a human case of West Nile virus in our region is no surprise, given the wet weather this spring and summer that have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes that can spread illness. We have also seen reports this summer of positive human cases of West Nile virus being detected in other parts of Ontario,” Marianne Rock, manager of Communicable Disease Control, Epidemiology and Evaluation for the HKPR District Health Unit, stated in a release. “Even though the cold nights and cooler fall days will eventually kill mosquitoes, it’s obvious they are still active and pose a health risk. That’s why it is very important for people to continue taking precautions and fighting the bite of mosquitoes that can spread West Nile virus.”
West Nile virus is mainly spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people who get West Nile virus do not experience any symptoms, a small number of individuals may develop flu-like symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, muscle weakness and stiff neck.
Symptoms usually develop two to 14 days after receiving a bite from an infected mosquito. In a few cases, people may develop more serious symptoms including confusion, tremors, and sudden sensitivity to light. People who suspect they have West Nile virus should seek medical attention.
To reduce the risk of West Nile virus, the Health Unit reminds people to:
Cover up when outside by wearing light-coloured clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, jackets, long pants, hats and socks, especially between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Applying insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin is also recommended to limit exposure to mosquitoes.
Clean up and eliminate mosquito breeding areas by removing standing water around homes, cottages or campsites, including in bird baths, old tires and unused containers like barrels. Keep bushes and shrubs clear of overgrowth and debris, and turn over compost piles on a regular basis. People are also advised to keep homes and businesses ‘bug tight’ by ensuring windows and door screens fit tightly and do not have holes.