The mosquito-bourne illness, West Nile virus (WNV) has been found in the city of Hamilton in Southwestern Ontario. As a result, Hamilton’s Medical Officer of Health has made the decision to move its WNV risk from low to moderate.
An estimated 20 percent of those who contracted WNV experience fever, while few people infected that are older or have weakened immune systems, experience more severe symptoms such as inflammation of the brain or the lining of the brain.
Most people have no symptoms, which typically appear two to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Residents are encouraged to protect themselves by
- using bug spray containing DEET or Icaridin
- avoiding areas where mosquitos are known to be present
- covering up when in wooded areas with light-coloured long sleeves and long pants
WNV first appeared in North America in 1999. This mosquito-borne virus can infect many animal species; however, crows, jays, humans and horses are at higher risk.
According to the Government of Canada’s Surveillance of West Nile Virus, to date, there are:
- 29 human clinical cases were detected in Ontario (18), Québec (6) and Manitoba (5)
- positive wild birds in Manitoba (3), Ontario (8) and Québec (15).
- positive equine cases in Ontario (3), Alberta (1), Saskatchewan (10) and Manitoba (6).
Protect yourself and your livestock from this serious emerging disease. Find more practical advice and equine care here.