Peel Region has confirmed its first human case ofÌýWest Nile virus this year in a Mississauga resident, health officials announced Tuesday.
É«É«À² has already seen , though this is the first human case of theÌýmosquito-borne virus in Peel, where the insects were found carrying the virus in July.Ìý
Most people who get infected won’t suffer anyÌýsymptoms, though some might deal with a flu-like illness,Ìýsuch as a fever, headache, body ache, rash or swollen lymph nodes.
TORONTO - The Public Health Agency of Canada says this year’s first human case of West Nile …
It’s still possible to get seriously ill from the virus, though PeelÌýPublic Health says those agedÌý50 and olderÌýand the immunocompromised are most at risk for moreÌýsevere complications.
The virus is in season from mid-June to mid-September andÌýits prevalence shifts annually based on temperatures and rainfall. Peel Public Health tests mosquitos weekly during the summer and has 33 traps set up across Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon.Ìý
The agency also says it’s combating the mosquito population by applying larvicide to storm sewers and other water sites to curb breeding.Ìý
The best protection against the virus though is to try not to be bitten, People are advised toÌýwear bug spray and light, baggyÌýclothing, and to make sureÌýwindows and doors are shut.Ìý
Kristjan Lautens is a staff reporter, working out of the Star’s
radio room in É«É«À². Reach him via email: klautens@thestar.ca
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