The South East Health Unit (SEHU) is reminding residents to take precautions against mosquito bites after one confirmed and one probable case of West Nile Virus (WNV) were identified in the region. The cases involve residents in the Rideau Lakes–Westport area and Smiths Falls.
WNV is most often spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While four out of five people experience no symptoms, others may develop mild flu-like illness — including fever, headache and body aches — two to 15 days after being bitten. Fewer than one per cent of infected people develop severe neurological disease, which can be fatal. Older adults, those with weakened immune systems, and individuals with high blood pressure are at greater risk of severe illness.
There is no vaccine or specific treatment for WNV. SEHU stresses that prevention is the best protection. Steps residents can take include:
- Wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing, pants and socks when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Using insect repellent with DEET or icaridin (following label directions carefully, especially for children).
- Avoiding outdoor activities during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Removing standing water around homes.
- Repairing tears in window and door screens.
- Covering rain barrels with screen mesh.
Since mosquito monitoring began in June, positive mosquito pools have already been identified in the region. West Nile Virus has also been detected in birds and mosquitoes locally in past years. Public Health continues to trap and test mosquitoes, while the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative monitors wildlife for evidence of the virus. Residents can report dead birds online at cwhc-rcsf.ca/report_and_submit.php
