Mosquito Swarm (Pixabay)
Halton Region Public Health has confirmed the first five human cases of West Nile virus in the region this year.
Officials are urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites as the risk remains until the first fall frost.
“About 80% of individuals infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms, while some may develop fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, or rash,” says Dr. Patrick Galange, Associate Medical Officer of Health. “In rare cases, about one in 100 people may experience serious illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.”
Residents can protect themselves by covering up when outdoors between dusk and dawn, using insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin, and eliminating standing water around their homes to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Bird baths should be refreshed weekly, and window and door screens checked for holes.
For more information on West Nile virus prevention and Halton Region’s mosquito control programs, click here.
To report standing water on public property, residents can call 311.
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