The local health unit has confirmed a case of West Nile virus in a person, the first in Simcoe County this year.
Earlier this month, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit reported a confirmed human case in Muskoka District.
These lab results have prompted the health unit to issue another reminder to the public to protect themselves and their children from mosquito bites, including using insect repellent, wearing light clothing, and staying in doors when mosquitos are most active (dusk to dawn).
WNv circulates between birds and some species of mosquitoes. The virus can be transmitted to humans by a mosquito bite if the mosquito has first bitten an infected bird. The health unit’s surveillance program has shown that WNv activity remains within local and historical norms.
Although most people will not become sick if bitten by an infected mosquito, WNv can cause severe illness in some people. Symptoms of WNv include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache and a sudden sensitivity to light. In very rare cases, the virus may cause serious neurological illness. Those experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice.
For more information about West Nile virus and protecting yourself from mosquito bites, visit SMDHU.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
