First Human Case Of West Nile Virus Confirmed

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A Windsor-Essex County resident has tested positive for West Nile virus according to the Health Unit.

This marks the first clinically diagnosed and lab-confirmed human case for 2019 in our region and the fourth in Ontario.

The Health Units says that most people with West Nile virus never develop symptoms and will not know that they have the virus. Only about 20% of people develop symptoms of West Nile fever with less than 1% developing severe neuro-invasive disease. The mosquito species capable of spreading West Nile virus have been identified throughout the area through the health unit’s surveillance program.

The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds. This positive human case is a reminder for  residents to continue to protect themselves from exposure.

“Even though it is getting cooler in the evenings, it is still important for everyone to eliminate any standing water around their home/property and take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites during the fall months” said Dr. Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health, Windsor – Essex County Health Unit.