Toronto confirms first human West Nile infection of the year

By News staff

Toronto has its first human case of West Nile virus of this year, and the city will likely see a few more.

In a statement on Friday, Toronto Public Health did not disclose any details about the infected person or whether they had to be hospitalized.

Symptoms usually develop between two and 15 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito and may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands.

There were 19 human cases last year. It’s expected the number will be higher this year because of the wet spring and summer.

As of this week, 48 mosquito pools in Toronto have tested positive for the virus. In all of 2016, 38 mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile.

Below are some tips from Toronto Public Health to help reduce the risk of mosquito bites:

  • Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors
  • Apply insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Take extra care during peak mosquito biting time (dusk and dawn) by using mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing
  • Remove standing water from your property, where mosquitoes can breed
  • Ensure your home has tight-fitting screens on windows and doors

Related stories:

First positive test of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes in Toronto confirmed

Mosquito species responsible for most Zika cases caught in Ontario


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