First 2018 case of West Nile in Toronto. How to lower risk
Friday, July 27, 2018, 1:50 PM - As if the swelling, the itching and the redness wasn't bad enough, we have to worry about diseases and viruses from mosquitoes too.
Toronto public health has confirmed it's first case of West Nile Virus for 2018. Although the risk of becoming infected in Toronto is very low, people need to be reminded to protect themselves from the critters. We are in the peak of summer and everyone is outside engaging in fun activities like camping, fishing, and swimming. All really good opportunities for the mosquito to strike.
Here are a few ways to protect yourself:
- Toronto Public Health recommends the following prevention tips to protect residents from 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.
The city of Toronto also has measures put in place to reduce the mosquitoes egg production. Larviciding of City catch basins and stagnant water sites where immature mosquitoes (larvae) have been identified reduces the risk of WNV. Culex mosquitoes are the most common carrier of West Nile Virus (WNV) in our region and although they prefer to bite birds, they will also bite humans. Surveillance activities in Toronto and elsewhere in North America have identified storm water catch basins as significant breeding sites for Culex mosquitoes, including some surface bodies of water.
No one is immune from the bites, although some may be at a greater risk than others. The elderly and those that have a weakened immunity are more likely to develop a serve case of WNV. West Nile virus symptoms usually develop between two and 15 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. If you or a family member has concerns about any symptoms, contact your health care provider ASAP.
SOURCES: City of Toronto
