The Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR) says West Nile virus has been detected in a batch of mosquitoes caught in the Lindsay area last week.
It’s the first lab-confirmed case of West Nile virus for 2018 for the health unit’s region which includes the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County and Haliburton County.
“There is no good time or reason to be bitten by a mosquito, and that’s especially true with this first finding of West Nile virus in our area,” stated Richard Ovcharovich, manager of environmental health with the HKPR District Health Unit.
“We encourage people to continue taking precautions and fighting the bite of mosquitoes that spread illness.”
Symptoms of West Nile virus can include high fever, severe headache and a stiff neck or more severe symptoms such as tremors, confusion and sudden sensitivity to light.
The health unit says the finding of West Nile virus is not unusual as the virus is typically detected this time of year in trapped mosquitoes.
“Mid- to late-summer is typically the time when we see more cases of West Nile virus, so we should continue taking precautions against mosquitoes right up until the first heavy frost in the fall,” Ovcharovich said.
Public Health Ontario (PHO) has found West Nile virus in 65 batches of mosquitoes collected across the province so far this year. PHO adds five reported human cases of West Nile virus have also been found in Ontario.
To reduce their risk of West Nile virus, area residents are encouraged to use insect repellent containing DEET, wear light-coloured and long-sleeve clothing (especially between dusk and dawn) and clean up and remove any stagnant water around properties.
People who suspect they have West Nile Virus should seek medical attention. For more information about West Nile virus, call the health unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5006, or visit http://www.hkpr.on.ca.
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