West Nile virus (WNV) has been identified in mosquitoes in the Ottawa area. Through mosquito trapping and testing, Ottawa Public Health (OPH) confirmed the first positive mosquito reservoirs from laboratory results. It was detected in two separate reservoirs for the first time since the annual monitoring period began on June 1. OPH wants residents to know that even in September, there is still an increased risk of human WNV infection. To help reduce the mosquito population, residents are asked to get rid of all outdoor items that can hold water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. WNV is an infection transmitted primarily by the northern house mosquito and, in a small number of cases, can cause severe illness. Most people will not develop any symptoms if infected, but about 20 percent may experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and possibly a rash. The risk of more severe disease increases with age, with the elderly, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems at higher risk. OPH has some tips to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:
Applying a Health Canada-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET or icaridin to exposed skin and clothing Protect yourself especially between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, and anytime in or near shady, bushy or wooded areas Wearing light-colored, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes, and socks to protect exposed skin Make sure all windows and doors in your home have well-fitted screens that are in good condition Limit standing water locations around your home, such as birdbaths, toys, potting saucers, pool covers, old tires, strollers, buckets and cans – anything that can hold water for seven days or more Always keeping all openings in rain barrels covered with screen mesh
There have been no reported, confirmed or suspected human cases of West Nile virus in Ottawa this year, and as of September 1, no human cases have been reported in Ontario this year either.
