KFL&A Public Health is urging residents to take precautions after a probable case of West Nile Virus was identified in a local resident. Additionally, a crow in the area tested positive for the virus. West Nile Virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes that bite infected birds and then transmit the virus to humans.
Most people infected with West Nile Virus, about 80%, show no symptoms. However, some may experience mild flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and body aches, 2-15 days after being bitten. Severe cases are rare, affecting less than 1% of those infected.
Residents are advised to protect themselves by wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing, using insect repellent with DEET or icaridin, and avoiding outdoor activities at dawn and dusk. It’s also important to remove standing water, repair torn screens, and cover rain barrels. For more information, visit KFL&A Public Health’s West Nile Virus webpage.
Written by Emily Chatwood