The Simcoe Muskoka health unit is testing a person for what could be the first case of West Nile Virus this year.
The district health unit says a “probable case of West Nile virus (WNv) infection has been identified by laboratory tests” in a person from Wahta Mohawk Territory.
Further testing is underway.
“Although West Nile virus hasn’t been found in people yet this year in Ontario, we have a probable human case and that’s a reminder that we need to take precautions to protect ourselves from the virus,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, in a news release. “As long as mosquitoes are active, it is possible to become infected with West Nile virus through a bite.”
Wahta Mohawk Council has allowed the health unit to increase its mosquito monitoring in the area.
Results on further testing are expected within about a week.
Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting or rashes on the chest, stomach or back. Less than one per cent of people infected with the virus show serious symptoms.
