For the first time in 2020, West Nile has made its way to Halton.
A mosquito pool tested positive within the Region.
On Friday, it was reported that a Halton resident tested positive with the virus.
The Manager of Enteric and Vector Borne Disease with the Halton Region, Dimitra Kasimos, explains why you should be on the lookout for West Nile.
You can do your part to avoid contracting West Nile.
Kasimos lists off some things you can do that would help.
She adds that you should avoid having mosquito breeding areas around your home.
That means removing any still pools of water, containers of water, and changing your bird bath water regularly.
What areas should you avoid this summer to help lower your chances of contracting the virus?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people may feel the need to get tested whenever they feel uneasy.
While the symptoms between the novel coronavirus and West Nile may be similar, the tests have their differences. Kasimos explains what you should expect if you think you have the virus.
If you’d like to follow what the Halton Region is currently doing to track West Nile, you can click here.
Kasimos warns that about 80% of people with West Nile don’t show symptoms; however, those that due show symptoms tend to have what seems like a mild flu. Occasionally, infected people may develop a rash. She says because West Nile may present itself as other illnesses, it’s important to always seek medical help.
