West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in for the first time this year in the Kawarthas, and the local health unit is asking residents to take precautions.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit received lab confirmation that a batch of mosquitoes collected in Lindsay on Thursday, August 18th tested positive for West Nile virus.
This is the first time in 2016 that West Nile virus has been detected in the area served by the health unit: Northumberland County, Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.
As of the date of this story, West Nile virus has been detected in 94 batches of mosquitoes collected across Ontario. There has been one reported human case of West Nile virus, from York Region.
Although summer is drawing to an end, the health unit notes that the risk from West Nile virus is not.
“Mid- to late-summer is typically the time when we see more cases of West Nile virus,” says Frances Tsotsos, a public health inspector with the HKPR District Health Unit. “So we should continue taking precautions against mosquitoes right up until the first heavy frost in the fall.”
Around 80% of people who get infected by West Nile virus experience no symptoms at all, but in some people the infection can result in flu-like symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, muscle weakness, and stiff neck. A small number of people may develop more severe symptoms, including confusion, tremors, and sudden sensitivity to light.
People who experience any symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
To reduce the risk of contracting West Nile virus from infected mosquitoes, people should take the following precautions:
- 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.
- Apply federally registered insect repellent on exposed skin (such as products containing DEET). Do not rely on scientifically unproven home remedies for protection.
- Clean up and remove any standing water around their homes, cottages or campsites (mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water).
- Ensure window and door screens fit tightly and do not have any holes.
For more information on West Nile virus, visit healthycanadians.gc.ca.
