Ottawa Public Health is urging residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes after West Nile Virus was confirmed in local mosquitoes for the first time this season. According to a news release from Ottawa Public Health, there have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus in Ottawa this year and two cases have been reported in Ontario this year. There is no word on where the mosquito pool tested positive. The health service says the risk for West Nile virus continues 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,” Ottawa Public Health said. The health unit says urban settings, like home or apartment porches, gardens and local parks are ideal for mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus. West Nile Virus symptoms According to Ottawa Public Health, most people infected by West Nile Virus won’t experience any symptoms. Approximately 20 per cent of people may experience flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches and possibly a rash. Ottawa Public Health says less than one per cent of West Nile Virus infections lead to very serious illness, “in which WNV invades the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).” “This risk is higher in people with weakened immune systems and risk increases with age.” Mosquito protection Ottawa Public Health recommends taking the following measures to prevent mosquito bites:
