Hamilton Public Health confirms first human case of West Nile Virus this season

Hamilton Public Health says they have confirmed the first local human case of West Nile Virus this season.

The Medical Officer of Health has moved the West Nile Virus risk from moderate to high as a result.

Public health officials are reminding members of the public to protect themselves against mosquito bites using bug spray containing DEET or Icaridin.

Anyone entering wooded areas, golf courses or gardens at dawn and dusk are being advised to wear long sleeves and long pants, as mosquitos are most active at these times.

They also recommend removing standing water from private property to avoid mosquito breeding.

Hamilton Public Heath says they have completed its third round of larvicide treatments on city street catch basins. Along with this, officials have treated surface waters on public land to reduce mosquito populations and the risk of West Nile Virus.

READ MORE: Hamilton reports first mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus this year