First case of West Nile virus confirmed in Greater Sudbury

A case of West Nile virus has been confirmed in Greater Sudbury.

In a media release issued on Friday, the Sudbury and District Health Unit said staff received laboratory results confirming West Nile virus in an adult from the Sudbury East area.

It’s the first case of West Nile in the area this year.

To date through its trapping activities, the Health Unit said it has not detected any mosquitos carrying the virus within its service area this year. The last time positive mosquitos were detected in the area was in 2013.

“Although reports of human cases are not common locally, we know that West Nile virus is present in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts because it has been confirmed in birds and in mosquitos in previous years,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Sudbury and District medical officer of health.

“Taking precautions to avoid becoming infected with West Nile virus is important.”

West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on infected birds.

“The overall risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus is low and roughly 80 per cent of infected people do not show any symptoms. Of the 20 per cent who do have symptoms, most will experience mild illness that can include fever, headache, body ache, nausea, vomiting, and a rash on the chest, stomach or back,” reads a media release from the health unit.

The health unit added that less than one per cent of infected people will experience serious symptoms including high fever, severe headache, muscle weakness, stiff neck, and confusion.