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The first human case of West Nile virus in an Ottawa resident this year has been confirmed, Ottawa Public Health announced Friday.
The agency said lab results had also confirmed the first positive mosquito testing pool since the annual monitoring program began on June 1.
In 2023, there were no human cases of West Nile virus in Ottawa, the announcement added, and just 54 overall in Ontario.
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According to the Ottawa Public Health announcement, West Nile virus is spread primarily by the northern house mosquito and, in a small number of cases, can cause serious illness. Most people will not develop symptoms if infected, but about 20 per cent may experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches and, possibly, a rash. The risk of more serious illness impacting the central nervous system, while low, increases with age and for those with weakened immune systems.
The Ottawa Public Health advisory also urged residents to protect themselves by:
- Applying a Health Canada-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET or icaridin to exposed skin and clothing
- Protecting yourself, especially between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, and any time you are near shady, bushy, or wooded areas
- Wearing light-coloured, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing, such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks, to protect exposed skin
- Making sure all windows and doors in your home have screens in good condition
- Removing, or emptying once per week, standing-water sites around your home
- Keeping all openings to rain barrels covered with screen mesh at all times
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