West Nile virus has been identified in Ottawa mosquitoes for the first time this year, health officials announced Tuesday.
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) said mosquito trapping and testing had confirmed the presence of the virus and is reminding residents to protect themselves against the insects while outdoors.
The health agency said there have been no confirmed reports of probable human cases of the virus in Ottawa this year, as well as in the province of Ontario.
READ MORE: Toronto mosquito pools test positive for West Nile Virus
Earlier this month, Toronto Public Health confirmed its first cases of the virus after positive tests from two mosquito pools in the city.
There were 18 positive mosquito pools and 13 confirmed human cases in Toronto last year and 26 in Ontario.
While the risk of being infected with West Nile Virus is low, health officials are reminding residents to take precautions by wearing long-sleeve clothing, using repellent and removing standing water from your property where mosquitoes can breed.
West Nile symptoms usually develop between two and 15 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito.
Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, body ache, skin rash and swollen glands.
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