West Nile virus season is upon us

Mosquitoes cling to the inside of a jar loaded with repellent during a test as part of a tour of the Center for Disease Control laboratory in Fort Collins, Colo., on April 4, 2024. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Mosquitoes collected from a trap in New Tecumseth tested positive for the West Nile virus (WNv).

As of Friday, no confirmed human cases of the mosquito-borne viral disease have been reported in Simcoe Muskoka.

However, a dead bird found in Bradford West Gwillimbury in July also tested positive for WNv.

West Nile virus circulates between birds and some species of mosquitoes. The virus can be transferred to people by a mosquito bite, if the bug has first bitten an infected bird.

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The best way to do avoid WNv is to protect yourself from mosquito bites, although the health unit says the risk of contracting WNv from an infected mosquito is highest in late summer.

The following personal protection is recommended:

• Use an approved mosquito repellent and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Wear light-coloured clothing and cover up in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active – at dusk and dawn – when possible.

Although most people will not become sick if bitten by an infected mosquito, WNv can cause severe illness in some people.

Symptoms of WNv include:

• fever,
• muscle weakness,
• stiff neck,
• confusion,
• severe headache
• a sudden sensitivity to light.

In very rare cases, the virus may cause serious neurological illness. People who experience symptoms should seek medical advice.

Anyone with concerns about a dead bird can contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) at 1-866-673-4781.