Human case of West Nile virus confirmed

A local resident has tested positive for West Nile virus, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit reported Friday.

While the virus has been found in mosquito pools in many areas of Windsor and Essex County and elsewhere in Ontario this year, this case marks the first clinically diagnosed and lab-confirmed human case for the area in 2018. “The person may have come into contact anywhere in the region where these mosquitoes are active,” said Dr. Wajid Ahmed, acting medical officer of health.

“We don’t want to give a false impression that this is a risk only in one particular area, but instead we would like to take this opportunity to remind residents that these mosquitoes are very active now and they can infect people anywhere in the city as well as in the county.”

While most people with the virus never develop symptoms and will not know that they have it, approximately 25 per cent develop West Nile fever, the health unit says. West Nile fever causes flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, vomiting, muscle ache and rash. Less than one per cent of infected individuals will develop meningitis or encephalitis. This is more likely to occur in those over 50 years of age and those with medical conditions or weakened immune systems, according to public health officials.

The health unit said the case serves as a reminder for residents to protect themselves.

Area residents should eliminate any standing water on their property and take protective measures to avoid mosquito bites. Residents should wear light-coloured clothing, long pants, long sleeves, shoes and socks during peak mosquito times. Bug repellents containing DEET or Icaridin should be used on anyone over two years of age.