First human case of West Nile virus of the year confirmed in Mississauga

Public health officials for Peel say the first human case of West Nile virus in the region this year has been confirmed in a patient from Mississauga.

Trap testing across Mississauga and Brampton revealed several confirmed cases of the virus in mosquitoes earlier this summer, but Peel Public Health now says a Mississauga resident has tested positive for West Nile.

PPH didn’t say when the human case of the virus was confirmed.

Peel Region reported its first positive West Nile virus test of the year in July near the intersection of Church Street and Centre Street in Brampton.

The chances of humans contracting West Nile are considered low, but there is a risk the virus can be passed to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash, and there are no vaccines to prevent contracting West Nile virus.

The confirmed case has the region urging residents to know the risks and take precautions against contracting West Nile virus.

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Here are some tips to help you avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes this summer:

• Wear a Health Canada approved insect repellent can help prevent mosquito bites, especially those containing an ingredient like DEET or icaridin.
• Use a mosquito net for babies or young children when outdoors, in a crib or stroller.
• Wear light-coloured, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes, and socks to protect exposed skin.
• Avoid shaded or wooded areas with high mosquito populations and take extra precautions during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Ensure all windows and door screens fit securely and are free of tears and holes.
• Remove or drain items on your property that hold stagnant water.

The region says water that is stagnant for more than seven days is an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes. Residents in Mississauga and Brampton can report stagnant water sites to Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700, or toll-free at 905-584-2216 in Caledon.