Health Department reports first human case of West Nile virus illness this season

WHITBY, ON – Durham Region Health Department has received confirmation of one human case of West Nile virus (WNV) illness. This is the first human case of WNV reported in Durham Region this year.

To date, there have been two human cases of the virus reported in Ontario. In addition, there have been 67 WNV positive groups of mosquitoes identified across the province and a total of eight groups of mosquitoes in the Region have tested positive for the virus.

“While the overall risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus is low, it’s still important for everyone to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites,” explained Laura Freeland, Manager, Health Protection with Durham Region Health Department.

 WNV illness is a mosquito-borne disease that is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on the blood of a bird that carries the virus. The disease is not passed from person to person or from bird to person. Most people who contract the virus will experience mild illness including fever, headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting and rash on the chest, stomach or back. More serious symptoms can include muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, numbness and sudden sensitivity to light. Symptoms usually develop between three and 15 days after a bite from an infected mosquito.

 Area residents are encouraged to help reduce the risk of WNV by removing stagnant water around their properties, including:

• removing unused objects that could collect water, such as tires, flowerpots, toys, etc.;
• turning over items such as wading pools, recycling boxes, wheelbarrows, and boats/canoes, when not in use; and
• changing the water in bird baths and wading pools weekly and aerating ornamental ponds.

To minimize the risk of mosquito bites and the possibility of WNV infection, the Health Department recommends taking the following precautions:

• Wear shoes, socks and light-coloured clothing, including long sleeve tops and full-length pants, when outside especially during evening, nighttime or dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Ensure that window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
• Use an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin, on exposed skin, following Health Canada’s safety tips on using personal insect repellents. Health Canada has more information on using insect repellents containing DEET at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/about-pesticides/insect-repellents.html.

As part of its WNV surveillance program, the Health Department places mosquito traps throughout Durham Region. Mosquitoes caught in these traps are collected and tested weekly for the virus. Adult mosquito surveillance will continue into September and concludes when weather conditions become cooler overnight and low numbers of adult mosquitoes are captured.  For more information on WNV, please call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729. Information is also available at durham.ca/westnile.

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For more information, please contact the Health Department.