First West Nile Virus Case Turns Up In T.O.
Posted August 18, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A 45-year-old Etobicoke woman who was bitten by a mosquito spent two weeks in hospital suffering symptoms from the ailment. She’s since been released and is continuing her recuperation at home.
West Nile is carried by the insects, which become infected after contact with affected birds. And while nearly everyone expected the ailment would turn up here eventually, it appears the hot weather has helped delay the onset.
Last year, Toronto reported its first case on July 30th.
“We know West Nile Virus is circulating throughout the city, and it’s important to take precautions,” Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Michael Finkelstein notes in a statement. “Human cases of the illness are usually contracted at this time of year.”
The ailment isn’t an equal opportunity infector. Some people – an estimated 80 percent – get it and don’t even realize they’ve been infected. Others experience only mild flu-like symptoms.
But in the worst case scenario, the disease can leave one percent of its victims with a high fever, disoriented or even paralyzed.
The first patient of 2006 suffered some of the more serious neurological problems, but physicians are hopeful she’ll make a full recovery.
The only answer to making sure you’re not hit is not to get infected in the first place.
Cover up if you’re out when the bugs are most active, or use an insect repellent containing DEET.
And don’t think it can’t happen to you. So far, this year, 26 positive mosquito pools and eight birds have tested positive for the virus in Toronto.
West Nile season officially continues until the first frost, but Finkelstein tells CityNews.ca it’s generally over when the temperatures hit the 10C mark, around the start of October.
For more on the West Nile virus’ symptoms and prevention, click here.
