Mosquitos in District of Parry Sound test positive for West Nile & Eastern Equine Encephalitis viruses

Although it is almost fall, the local health unit is warning residents to be wary of mosquito bites.

NBPSDHU officials advise residents to continue protecting themselves from mosquito bites in light of some mosquito pools in our district testing positive for two serious diseases. 

During routine monitoring of mosquito pools within the District of Parry Sound this month, one pool tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), and another for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus. 

This marks the first time a mosquito in our health unit’s region has tested positive for either virus in about eight years. 

Officials say no human cases have been reported in the Health Unit district as of yet.

The health unit says mosquitoes acquire these viruses by feeding on infected birds and spread it to humans and other mammals through bites. 

The Health Unit recommends that people use simple personal protective measures to reduce the risk of illness due to bites from infected mosquitoes:

1. Take extra care when spending time outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active
2. Eliminate any standing water so mosquitoes cannot breed.
3. Wear light-coloured clothing, 
   • including long-sleeves, pants, socks and shoes
4. Apply insect repellent containing DEET sparingly to clothing and exposed skin areas
5. Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.

Symptoms of WNV usually appear within two to 15 days after infection with most of those infected showing no symptoms.

• Mild symptoms of WNV can include fever, headache, body aches, a mild rash, and swollen lymph nodes. 
• Serious symptoms can include rapid onset of a severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, nausea or vomiting, confusion and paralysis. Some severe cases can be fatal.

Symptoms of the EEE virus usually appear four to ten days after infection, and some may not develop symptoms.

• Mild symptoms include flu-like illness with fever, headache, a stiff neck, muscle aches and confusion. 
• Severe cases include swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and can lead to coma, convulsions and death.

If you experience a sudden onset of any symptoms, seek medical attention. While there is no treatment or vaccine for either virus, symptoms can be treated.

You can find more information on how to protect yourself from a mosquito bite on myhealthunit.ca