Vector-Borne
Diseases
West
Nile Virus
Background
Information
The
West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can very rarely cause
encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The virus was named after the
West Nile region of Uganda, where the virus first appeared in 1937. The
risk of becoming seriously ill as a result of infection with West Nile Virus is
low and most people who become infected experience no symptoms or have very mild
illness.
West
Nile Virus is spread to humans through the bite of a mosquito which has
become infected with West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes get the virus by feeding on
infected birds. The virus is not transmitted from person to
person or directly from a bird infected by West Nile Virus to a person.
Less
than 1% of people who acquire the West Nile Virus develop severe symptoms
from the disease, and less than 1% of patients who contract it become
seriously ill from the West Nile Virus. Most people only exhibit mild flu
like symptoms.
Although the risk
of acquiring the West Nile Virus is minimal the Health Unit nevertheless
advises that it would be wise for residents to take the necessary
precautions to minimize risk by:
-
wearing light coloured clothing, including long sleeves, pants and hat,
to cover exposed skin
-
avoiding areas with high mosquito populations
-
using mosquito repellent containing DEET on exposed skin, following the
manufacturers' instructions
-
ensuring that all windows and doors to your home have screens that are
in good condition.
It is
important that citizens reduce mosquito breeding areas on their properties
by:
·
recycling/disposing of unwanted containers
·
drain water regularly from flower pots, window boxes, planters and
swimming pool covers
·
make sure your eaves troughs are clean and drain properly
·
change the water in bird baths at least once per week
·
remove and recycle old tires, plastic containers and paint cans
·
turn over wheelbarrows, canoes and plastic wading pools to drain
standing water.
For
further information on West Nile Virus, contact one of the Health Unit Offices below.
Pembroke
Office 613-735-8654
Arnprior
Office
613-623-2991
Barry's
Bay Office 613-756-2744
Renfrew
Office
613-432-5853
For
more information please see: Health
Canada - up-to-date surveillance information.
