Human case of West Nile Virus reported in Grey-Bruce region

A human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) was reported to the Grey Bruce Health Unit this week.

In addition, a second positive equine case of WNV was reported and the first local positive mosquito pool was identified.

This trend mirrors patterns being observed in health units across Ontario; WNV activity tends to increase to peak levels in the late summer and early fall. To date, 370 positive mosquito pools have been identified throughout the province and 37 human cases reported.

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 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.
 
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.