Toronto – Toronto Public Health (TPH) has reported its first probable human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in an adult resident this year. WNV is an infection transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Residents can take the following steps to help protect themselves from WNV:
- Wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.
- Applying an insect repellent approved by Health Canada
by following the manufacturer’s instructions. - Taking extra care during peak mosquito-biting time (dusk and dawn) by using mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing.
- Removing standing water from one’s property where mosquitos can breed.
- Ensuring screens are tight-fitting on windows and doors.
WNV symptoms usually start to show between two and 14 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. Older individuals or people with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. Anyone concerned about any symptoms should contact their health care provider. More information about WNV and ways to reduce the risk of being infected with WNV are available on the City’s West Nile virus webpage.
There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus (WNV) disease. Clinical management is supportive. No WNV vaccines are licensed for use in humans. Prevention of WNV disease depends on community-level mosquito control programs, personal protective measures, and screening of blood and organ donors.