Toronto Public Health reports first human case of West Nile virus this year

Toronto Public Health is reporting its first human case of West Nile virus this year.

Halton Region reported its first human case earlier this month.

West Nile virus is an infection transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.

While the risk of getting infected is low, officials say people should take precautions.

• Wear light-coloured clothing, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin
• Take extra care during dusk and dawn, which are peak mosquito hours
• Make sure your home has tight-fitting screens on windows and doors
• Remove standing water from your property, which is where where mosquitoes can breed

Most people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms. Others could get a fever, headache, muscle ache and a rash.

Symptoms usually develop between two and 14 days after a person is bitten.

Older individuals or individuals with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.

In 2019, there were nine laboratory-confirmed human cases of West Nile virus and 10 positive mosquito tests were reported to Toronto Public Health.