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Second human case of West Nile virus identified in Simcoe County

October 3, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

A second person in Simcoe County has been diagnosed with West Nile virus.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit reported it as the second case of West Nile in the region on Sept. 26.

The Health Unit confirmed the first case on Sept. 12.

West Nile virus circulates between birds and some species of mosquitoes. The virus can be transmitted to humans by a mosquito bite if the mosquito has first bitten an infected bird.

The Health Unit’s surveillance program indicates that West Nile activity remains within local and historic norms.

Mosquitoes continue to be active during the fall, despite some people thinking mosquito activity largely disappears by this time of the year. For that reason, people still need to take precautions to protect themselves from the virus.

To stay safe, the Health Unit recommends personal protection in areas where mosquitoes may be active.

The precautions included using an approved insect repellent, wearing light-coloured clothing covering arms and legs, and remaining indoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Although most people will not become sick if bitten by an infected mosquito, West Nile virus can cause severe illness in some people. Symptoms of the virus include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache and a sudden sensitivity to light. In very rare cases, the virus may cause serious neurological illness.

Those experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice.


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