TIMMINS - The region has its first West Nilevirus (WNv) case in five years.
A crow has tested positive for the virus, the Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) reported on Wednesday (Aug. 28).
“Health unit staff actively monitor West Nile virus in mosquitoes in various locations within our district in the summer and the risk of acquiring West Nile virus during seasonal weather remains low,” said public health inspector Kaitlin McCaw in a news release.
The last time a bird was confirmed with the virus was 2019, and prior to that it was 2006. The last mosquito pool to test positive was 2006. There have been no confirmed human cases in the district.
Mosquito bites can spread the virus to animals and humans. People bitten by an infected mosquito may not have symptoms and 80 per cent of people who contract WNv do not get ill, according to the health unit.
“Less than one per cent of people infected with the virus become seriously ill. We recommended that you seek medical attention if feeling unwell.”
More information on the virus, how to prevent it and symptoms are available here.
