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Ottawa Public Health has announced that they have detected West Nile Virus in local mosquitoes for the first time this season.
As of July 26, there have been no confirmed or probable human cases in Ottawa, and only two reported cases across Ontario this year, according to a news release from the health unit on Friday.
The virus usually doesn’t show symptoms in most people, but around one in five who get infected may experience flu-like signs like fever, headache, muscle pains, and sometimes a rash appearing within two to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
In very rare situations, West Nile can cause severe neurological illness, with older individuals facing higher risks.
OPH suggests removing any standing water around your home since mosquitoes breed in it. The health unit also advises taking steps to prevent bites, such as wearing long clothing outdoors and using insect repellent.
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