West Nile Virus detected in Hamilton

By

Published July 26, 2024 at 2:26 pm

West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes have been discovered in Hamilton for the first time this year.

The city performs frequent testing on captured mosquitoes throughout the summer months. On July 26, the city announced it had discovered a batch infected with the virus. As a result, the Medical Officer of Health upgraded the West Nile risk from low to moderate.

“Residents are reminded to protect themselves against mosquito bites and to remove standing water from private property to prevent mosquito breeding,” the city wrote.

Mosquitoes spread West Nile virus by drawing blood from an infected bird, then biting a human. People can’t get the virus from bird directly and can not spread it among themselves.

Most who contract the disease will suffer mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting, and rash on the chest, stomach or back. However, in rare cases, more serious symptoms present such as muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, tremors, numbness and sudden sensitivity to light.

Generally, symptoms show up between two days and two weeks after the infected person is bitten. Even when bitten, contracting the virus itself is quite rare but residents should take precautions just in case.

These include wearing shoes, socks and long-sleeved clothes while outdoors, using bug spray with DEET, removing standing water from their yards and ensuring screens are in good shape.

Although the risk of becoming infected is low, the Health Department recommends that residents take the following precautions:

  • Wear shoes, socks, and light-coloured clothing—including long-sleeve tops and full-length pants when outside—especially at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Use insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin on exposed skin, following Health Canada’s safety tips on using personal insect repellents.
  • Remove standing water from your property where mosquitoes can breed.
  • Ensure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
INthehammer's Editorial Standards and Policies