The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is remind residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites after an animal tested positive for West Nile virus locally.
Public Health Ontario reports that a crow in Campbellford tested positive for the virus on June 27. More recently, the HKPR District Health Unit confirmed a six-year-old, unvaccinated horse tested positive in Kawartha Lakes. No travel history was linked to the animal before its death.
The Health Unit says mosquitoes become infected with WNv as they feed on infected birds and can spread the virus by biting humans and other mammals. They say 70-80 per cent infected with WNv have no symptoms or mild flu-like symptoms that last for few days. Mild symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches skin rash on trunk of body and swollen lymph glands within 2-15 days of a bite from an infected mosquito.
Although the virus may not show serious symptoms in most people, under one per cent of people may develop severe symptoms and health impacts that may affect the central nervous system. Severe symptoms may include severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, difficulty swallowing, confusion and lack of coordination or paralysis and can lead to severe neurological complications. Anyone with severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
“Although there have been no positive mosquito pools detected this year in the locations monitored, it does not mean that infected mosquitoes are not present in our area,” said Richard Ovcharovich, Manager of Environmental Services with the HKPR District Health Unit. “We remain vigilant in our efforts to continue to monitor the mosquito population by relocating trapes to area where the virus has been identified in other animals and education the public on preventative measures.”
HKPR Health Unit recommends taking the following guidelines to keep yourself and others safe from the spread of WNv:
Eliminate mosquito breeding grounds: Remove standing water from outdoor containers, such as flowerpots, birdbaths, and gutters. Mosquitoes require stagnant water to breed, and eliminating these sources can significantly reduce their population.
Use protective measures: Wear long sleeves shirts and pants. Apply mosquito repellents when spending time outdoors, particularly during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Install window and door screens: Ensure windows and doors have properly fitted screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
Horse owners should remain vigilant: Monitor horse(s) for unusual behaviours or symptoms and contact their veterinarian for information about approved WNV equine vaccines available and to receive recommendations on a disease prevention program.
Written by: Noah Lorusso
