First mosquitoes check constructive for West Nile virus this season: OPH

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Well being officers are warning individuals to be further vigilant for bites after the primary mosquitos examined constructive for West Nile virus this season.

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Two mosquito testing swimming pools had been constructive — a primary for the reason that annual program to entice and check mosquitos began June 1, Ottawa Public Well being stated Friday. Mosquitos can pose the specter of spreading the virus till a tough frost.

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There have been no reported, confirmed or possible instances of West Nile virus in individuals in Ottawa to this point this 12 months, OPH stated. As of Sept. 1, there have been no reported human instances in Ontario this 12 months, both.

Ottawa residents had been requested to cut back the numbers of mosquitos by eliminating out of doors objects that may maintain water and the place mosquitos can lay their eggs.

West Nile virus is unfold primarily by the northern home mosquito.

Most contaminated individuals received’t develop any signs however about one in 5 could have flu-like signs, together with fever, headache, muscle aches and probably a rash, OPH stated.

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In lower than one per cent of instances, the virus invades the central nervous system inflicting extra critical sickness. Older adults, the aged and other people with weakened immune techniques are at increased danger.

OPH advises individuals to make use of Well being Canada-approved mosquito repellents containing DEET or icaridin, cowl up with tightly-woven and light-coloured clothes, be certain that window screens are well-fitted and in good situation and cut back water left standing for every week or longer.

Together with weekly surveillance, the well being unit stated it places larvicide in standing water on metropolis property when wanted and usually applies the larvicide in city-own roadside storm sewer catch basins to cut back the variety of mosquitos.