Region’s first positive West Nile Virus case reported in Oshawa
The Durham Region Health Department has reported its first positive case of West Nile Virus (WNV).
According to the health department, the positive batch of adult mosquitoes was collected from one of the mosquito trap sites located in north Oshawa.
The positive case was confirmed on July 28.
The health department cautions that with positive test results, it’s important for area residents to take precautions against WNV by avoiding mosquito bites and removing standing water from their properties.
WNV is a mosquito-borne disease that is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who contract the virus will experience mild illness including fever, headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting, and rash on the chest, stomach, or back, states the health department, noting more severe symptoms can include muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, numbness, and sudden sensitivity to light.
Symptoms will usually develop between two and 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
While the risk of becoming infected is low, the health department says there are several precautions residents can take to minimize the risk of mosquito bites and the possibility of being infected with WNV.
- Wear shoes, socks and light-coloured clothing, including long sleeve tops and full-length pants when outside, especially at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin on exposed skin, following Health Canada’s safety tips on using personal insect repellents.
- Remove standing water from your property where mosquitoes can breed.
- Ensure that window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
Durham Region Health Department sets mosquito traps across the region and submits mosquitoes for laboratory testing every week between June and September.
In addition, regional catch basins and other stagnant water sites are treated with larvicide to reduce mosquito breeding.
For more information on WNV, call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or visit www.durham.ca/westnile.