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. 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:
