Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is once again urging residents to take precautions following the first reported case of West Nile Virus this year.
While most people infected with the virus don’t show symptoms, about one in five may experience flu-like signs such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and sometimes a rash that usually appears between two to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
In very rare instances, West Nile can cause severe neurological issues, with older individuals at greater risk.
OPH recommends removing any standing water around homes since it serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. They also advise taking measures to prevent bites, like wearing long clothing outdoors and applying insect repellent.
This year, Ontario has reported 25 human cases of West Nile Virus so far, including one each from Ottawa, the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, and Southeast Public Health. Last year, there were 181 cases across the province according to Health Canada.
In 2025, Canada recorded 319 cases of West Nile Virus along with 18 fatalities among individuals aged 60 or older. Most affected individuals showed symptoms or received diagnoses between late July and late September.
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