Toronto’s First Human Case of West Nile Virus for 2015 Confirmed

Toronto’s first human case of West Nile Virus for 2015 has been confirmed.  Positive West Nile Virus mosquito pools have also been detected in Toronto.  While the risk of symptomatic West Nile infection remains low, Toronto Public Health recommends the following:

1.  Be alert for typical signs and symptoms of West Nile, including:  fever, headache, myalgia (muscle aches), rash, lymphadenopathy, severe neurological symptoms (present in less than 1% of cases)

2.  Preventative measures to reduce risk:  wear light-coloured long sleeves and pants, use mosquito repellent when outdoors at dawn and dusk, remove water from property where mosquitoes can breed, ensure the presence of tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.

All suspected and confirmed cases must be immediately reported to Toronto Public Health’s Communicable Disease Surveillance Unit.  If concerned, see your physician.