Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile In Toronto
Posted August 1, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
City public health officials say they’ve found mosquitoes around the city that have tested positive for West Nile Virus, and they’re asking people to take precautions in order to stay safe.
The pests that tested positive were collected from four areas of the city about a week ago – they include: Lansdowne Ave. and Davenport Rd., Bathurst St. and Eglinton Ave., Bayview and Finch Aves., and Markham Rd. and Sheppard Ave.
There haven’t yet been any reports of Torontonians getting sick with the virus this year, nor any birds testing positive, but experts say August and September are the peak season for West Nile.
“These mosquito testing results send a loud and clear message,” said Dr. Howard Shapiro, Toronto’s Associate Medical Officer of Health. “West Nile Virus is back in Toronto and it’s important to take precautions to avoid becoming sick.”
Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Use a mosquito repellent, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Wear light-coloured clothing and cover up in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- Take these precautions especially in early morning and early evening, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Remove standing water around your home and property.
The risk of becoming infected with West Nile is relatively low, but those over 55 or with weak immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness.
Symptoms:
Here are the symptoms of the West Nile virus. But remember that these may be early symptoms of the virus, or of many other illnesses, so seek medical attention to find out the cause.
- Fever
- Muscle weakness
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Severe headache
- Sudden sensitivity to light.
- Extreme swelling or infection at the site of the mosquito bite is another reason to seek medical attention.
Who gets sick and why:
Most people who get infection don’t show symptoms and don’t get sick. If they do, symptoms usually show up within two to 15 days. In mild cases, people might suffer from flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and body aches. Some may also develop a mild rash, or swollen lymph glands. But some individuals, including older people, have weaker immune systems. That means they face a greater risk of serious health problems including meningitis and encephalitis. In these cases, symptoms could include the rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, loss of consciousness, muscle weakness, and paralysis. Severe cases of illness due to West Nile virus can be fatal.
The long-term effects of serious cases of West Nile aren’t totally understood yet. But some studies show that sustained health problems are possible. They can include physical issues (long-term muscle weakness and paralysis, fatigue, and headache), cognitive effects (confusion, depression, problems with concentration, and memory loss), and functional effects (trouble preparing meals, going out, shopping).
And although people with weaker immune systems have a higher risk for serious health effects, WN virus can result in severe complications for individuals of any age or health status. Health Canada says that is why it’s important to cut down on your chances of becoming infected.
