Brant County has its first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in five years. In a news release on Tuesday, Grand Erie Public Health said a Brant resident had tested positive for the virus. It marked the first case in Brant County since 2020. The illness can be spread by mosquitoes, and although most people will not become sick after being bitten, West Nile virus can cause severe symptoms in others. Seniors and people with underlying health illnesses are urged to be cautious, as they are more likely to feel the adverse effects. Mild symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, mild rash and swollen lymph glands. Serious symptoms can involve the rapid onset of a severe headache, high fever, a stiff neck, nausea or vomiting, difficulty swallowing, drowsiness and confusion. In rare instances, it can be fatal. For most people who experience mild symptoms, recovery generally takes about a week. For severe cases, it may take months or years for things to return to normal. Huron Perth Public Health also confirmed their first case of West Nile virus on Tuesday. How can I avoid being bitten? There are several steps people can take to avoid mosquito bites, including wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants, avoiding the outdoors from early evening until morning when mosquitoes are most active, avoiding wooded areas, getting rid of all standing water on properties and using insect repellent.
