Ottawa Public Health says West Nile Virus has been found in Ottawa mosquitoes this year.
OPH says these first results have come relatively early in the West Nile season, and may indicate potentially higher than normal activity for the virus.
While OPH says the risk of serious illness is low, there are symptoms to watch out for. About 20 per cent of people who contract West Nile Virus may experience symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and rash. Most people will not experience symptoms. In rare cases, about 1%, West Nile infections can lead to a more serious illness that attacks the central nervous system. The elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk.
The best way to help reduce the mosquito population is to get rid of any standing water on your property, because that's where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Also make sure openings to rain barrels are covered with a screen mesh at all times.
You can also reduce your risk of being bitten by a mosquito the following ways:
For its part, Ottawa Public Health’s plan to counter West Nile Virus includes weekly surveillance and larvicidal treatments of standing water sites on City property and the application of mosquito larvicide to City-owned roadside sewer catch basins.
There have been no confirmed or probable cases of West Nile in humans in Ottawa so far this year.