Peel Public Health announced Friday that they have confirmed the first probable human case of West Nile virus in a resident this year.
“While the risk of contracting West Nile virus in Peel is low, this case reinforces the need for all residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites when outdoors and remove mosquito breeding sites from their properties,” said Dr. Lawrence, Peel Region Medical Health Officer. Loh said in a press release.
“The mosquitoes will remain active until the first frost.”
Read more:
Toronto Public Health confirms first West Nile case in 2021
The press release also advised residents to remove standing water where mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus can breed.
The virus is transmitted through infected mosquitoes, and while most people who contract the disease do not have any symptoms, about 20 percent have mild flu-like symptoms, according to the statement.
In rare cases, described as “less than one percent,” someone may experience more “serious” effects, such as a headache or confusion.
The news comes a day after Toronto Public Health announced that they confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in the city this year.
© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Reference-globalnews.ca