Local Resident Tests Positive For West Nile Virus
Friday September 4th, 2015, 3:10pm
Hello time traveller!!
This article is 3385 days old.
The information listed below is likely outdated and has been preserved for archival purposes.
A Windsor-Essex County resident has tested positive for West Nile virus.
This marks the first confirmed clinically diagnosed human case for the region in 2015.
Most people with WNV never develop symptoms and will not know that they have the virus. Approximately 25% of the people develop West Nile fever. A small number of people (less than 1%) develop severe neuro-invasive disease.
This positive human case is a reminder for Windsor-Essex County residents to continue to protect themselves, as certain types of mosquitoes spread WNV, a potentially serious infection to humans.
Area residents should eliminate any standing water around their home/property and take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites.
The Health Unit, along with each municipality, will continue to monitor for West Nile Virus activity. The 2015 larviciding program began on May 29th and will continue throughout the summer season, along with the investigation of standing water complaints and the distribution of educational materials.
Since June 24th, 13 mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) throughout the region.