Case of West Nile Virus found in horse in Bruce County
A locally-acquired case of West Nile Virus (WNV) identified in a horse in Bruce County, reinforces the message that residents and visitors need to take precautions against mosquito bites.
As well, surveillance traps located in Owen Sound, Hanover and the Town of the Blue Mountains, have detected mosquito species that can be carriers of the virus; none of the mosquitoes trapped, to date, were found to be carriers. However, positive mosquitoes have been found this year in neighbouring health unit areas.
WNV is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms usually develop two to 14 days after receiving a bite from an infected mosquito.
Approximately 80 per cent of those infected with WNV do not show any symptoms. Of the 20 per cent that do show symptoms, most experience mild illness with symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, skin rash and occasionally, vomiting and nausea. Less than one per cent of those infected with WNV experience severe illness involving the central nervous system.
A woman holds up a mosquito trap (above), and a closer look at a mosquito trap (below)
The risk of exposure to WNV around the home can be reduced by eliminating mosquito-breeding sites, including standing water in places such as bird baths, eavestroughs, flower pots and discarded tires; by wearing protective clothing; always using mosquito repellent when outdoors at dawn and dusk; and by preventing mosquito entry into the home.
Written ByNo bio for this author.
Related Stories
No related stories.