Public health officials asking residents to avoid mosquito bites after region sees first human case of West Nile Virus.
Niagara Region Public Health has received its first report of a human West Nile Virus case for 2021.
Officials say the case was confirmed in a laboratory.
While most people infected with the virus don't get sick, about 20 percent experience fatigue and flu-like symptoms and one percent develop brain infections like meningitis.
Public Health says the most common indicators of severe infection include fever, severe headaches, body aches, confusion, weakness, neck stiffness, tremors, and sudden light sensitivity, and anyone with these symptoms is advised to see a doctor right away.
Flu-like symptoms could be COVID-19, but anyone who tests negative for COVID and has been bitten by a mosquito could have West Nile Virus instead.
Anyone who has the above symptoms is urged to take a COVID-19 test first.
If the test is negative, symptoms persist, and the person has had mosquito bites, they should see their doctor or call Public Health at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074, ext. 7590.
Public Health says to reduce the risk of being exposed to West Nile Virus, you should drain standing water around the home where mosquitos may breed, avoid mosquito-infected areas like storm sewers, and wear long-sleeved shirts, hats, long pants, socks and shoes, especially at dawn and in the evenings.
You're also advised to repair broken window screens and damaged doors and use insect repellants that contain DEET or Icaridin.
More information on West Nile Virus is available here.
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