Halton mosquitoes test positive for West Nile

West Nile virus can infect birds and horses as well as people.

Toronto Public Health confirmed on Friday the city’s first human case of West Nile Virus in 2015.

The City of Commerce along with assistance from Texas A&M University-Commerce has been testing mosquitoes for various diseases by trapping them and sending them to the Department of State Health Services.

In 2014, the District of Columbia saw 3 human WNV cases and with the addition of this current, Washington, DC has reported 92 cases since first reported in 2002. “A little effort can go a long way in protecting the whole community from these mosquito-borne diseases”. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection. The birds must not show any signs of decay or trauma. Those who notice any of these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately. In similar studies with cats, low-grade fevers and mild lethargy were seen. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state, and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. If your veterinarian thought your dog or cat had the virus, supportive care to treat the symptoms would be started. People older than 50 and immunodeficient people are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus. Less than 1% of people who are infected will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.

Prevention is the key for stopping the spread of West Nile.

Minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn.

Regularly drain standing water, including water collecting in empty cans, tires, buckets, clogged rain gutters and saucers under potted plants to avoid creating a mosquito breeding ground. CDC recommends that you always follow the recommendations appearing on the product label when using repellent.