The primary possible human case of West Nile Virus of 2023 has been reported in Toronto, town’s public well being company mentioned Friday.
In a information launch, Toronto Public Well being (TPH) mentioned the possible case is in an grownup resident. It has but to be confirmed by laboratory testing.
“Whereas the danger of being contaminated with West Nile virus stays low in Toronto, now is an efficient time to remind residents forward of the lengthy weekend of the steps they will take to keep away from bites from contaminated mosquitos when having fun with the attractive summer time climate,” mentioned Dr. Eileen De Villa, town’s medical officer of well being, within the launch.
“Apply insect repellent, put on light-coloured clothes, lengthy pants, long-sleeved shirts and take further care between nightfall and daybreak, that are peak mosquito-biting hours.”
The virus is transmitted by the chunk of an contaminated mosquito and signs may embrace:
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Physique aches.
- Pores and skin rash.
- Swollen lymph glands.
Any signs that may develop typically start round two to 14 days after being bitten, TPH mentioned. Older individuals, particularly these with compromised immune programs, are at increased threat of experiencing extra extreme sickness from the virus.
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There have been 14 laboratory-confirmed instances of West Nile within the metropolis in 2022, in keeping with the discharge.
The town carries out mosquito surveillance utilizing 22 traps from mid-June by mid-September each summer time. Every week, mosquitos from these traps, known as batches, are despatched to a lab for testing. Up to now this yr, 20 batches have examined constructive for West Nile, TPH mentioned.
“With the elevated sizzling climate in Toronto currently, there’s a increased threat of mosquitos that may transmit the virus as soon as they’re contaminated,” the discharge mentioned.
A number of GTA areas and cities have lately reported discovering mosquitos constructive for the virus, together with Brampton, Markham and Hamilton.
