First case of West Nile reported for 2015 in Toronto

News Release – August 21, 2015

Toronto reports this year’s first human case of West Nile Virus

Toronto Public Health (TPH) has received a lab confirmation indicating that an adult resident in Toronto has tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is the first human case testing positive for West Nile Virus in Toronto for 2015. TPH continues to investigate where the virus was acquired, as the resident had potential exposures in Toronto and outside of the city.

While the risk of being infected with West Nile Virus is low, Toronto Public Health reminds residents to take precautions, including the following:

• wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks and a hat when outdoors,
• use mosquito repellent approved by Health Canada and follow product instructions,
• take extra care during peak mosquito-biting time (dusk and dawn) by using mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing,
• remove standing water from your property, where mosquitoes can breed, and
• make sure your home has tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.

West Nile Virus symptoms usually develop between two and 15 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, body ache, skin rash and swollen glands. If you or a family member has concerns about any symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

In 2013, 18 positive mosquito pools and 12 human cases were reported to Toronto Public Health. In 2014, 10 positive mosquito pools and three human cases were reported to TPH. To date, TPH has not received any reports of positive mosquito pools for 2015.

More information about West Nile Virus is available at http://www.toronto.ca/health/westnile.  This news release is also available on the City’s website: http://bit.ly/1MCZ5y8