Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile in Ottawa

A mosquito feeds at the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District on July 26, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Ottawa Public Health is reminding residents to protect themselves after a mosquito pool tested positive for West Nile virus in the city this week.

It’s the first confirmation of the virus in Ottawa this year since seasonal monitoring began on June 8.

There have been no confirmed or probable human cases of West Nile in Ottawa this year. Only one case has been reported province-wide as of Aug. 3.

“Mosquitoes can pose a risk for WNV infection until the first hard frosts of the fall. Residents are reminded that even as the weather begins to cool in the fall, there remains an increased risk for human WNV infection,” OPH said in a news release.

“Residents are also asked to help reduce mosquito breeding sites around their homes by removing any unnecessary standing water and regularly treating or replacing water in use, like ornamental pools or bird baths.”

At least two human cases of West Nile were reported in Ottawa last year.

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OPH says most people will not develop any symptoms if infected but about 20 per cent may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches and possibly a rash that usually appears between two to 14 days of being bitten.

Less than one per cent of people may experience serious illnesses that can invade the central nervous system. The risk is higher for individuals with weakened immune systems, such as seniors.

Public health recommends protecting yourself from West Nile by:

• Applying a Health Canada-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET or icaridin to exposed skin and to clothing.
• Protecting yourself between dusk and dawn especially, when mosquitoes are most active, and at all times in or near shady, bushy, or wooded areas.
• Wearing light-coloured, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing, including long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks to protect exposed skin.
• Making sure all windows and doors in your home have well-fitting screens that are in good condition.
• Reducing standing water sites around your home, such as bird baths, toys, flowerpot saucers, swimming pool covers, old tires, wheelbarrows, buckets, and cans or anything that can hold water for seven days or longer.
• Keeping all openings to rain barrels covered with tightly fitted screen mesh at all times.