First human case of West Nile virus in Ontario this year identified

The first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Ontario this year has been identified in a person in Markham, health officials said Friday.

The Regional Municipality of York said in a statement they had received laboratory confirmation that an unnamed person had tested positive for the virus in the city.

Public Health Ontario confirmed to Global News the human case was the first of its kind in the province in 2016. York Region health officials added that the individual did not experience symptoms.

READ MORE: West Nile virus confirmed in Ottawa mosquitoes for the first time in 2016

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The virus had previously been identified in mosquitoes in Ottawa and Toronto earlier this month, after trapping and testing had confirmed its presence in mosquito pools.

There were 18 positive mosquito pools and 13 confirmed human cases in Toronto last year and 26 in Ontario.

“Education and awareness are key to avoiding West Nile virus infection,” York Region’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Karim Kurji said in a statement.

“Remember to cover up or stay inside during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.”

READ MORE: Toronto mosquito pools test positive for West Nile Virus

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 virus symptoms usually develop between two and 15 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito.

Symptoms may include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headaches and a sudden sensitivity to light.

In rare cases, the virus can cause serious neurological illness including encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.