First human case of West Nile Virus for the year found in Burlington resident

Just days after the Hamilton area reported its first known presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) for 2020 in a cluster of local mosquitoes – bumping the local risk from low to moderate – Halton public health has reported that a Burlington resident is officially the first known human this year to have tested positive for WNV.

Symptoms of WNV appear in only 20 per cent of those who are infected, and any potential symptoms of the virus could surface anywhere from 2 days to two weeks after being bitten by a WNV-positive mosquito.

Last week found in mosquitos in Hamilton, now the first patient diagnosed in Burlington. It is West Nile Virus seasons. Burlington resident tests positive for West Nile virus | https://t.co/3qDy67EDL0 https://t.co/qgC7PfZj9j

— Dominik Mertz (@DocDominik) August 9, 2020

Public health also stresses that the symptoms of WNV are similar to those associated with COVID-19, and that it’s important for locals to seek formal medical assessment if they happen to experience any potential symptoms.

Locals can reduce their risk of contracting West Nile Virus by being vigilant about protecting themselves against mosquito bites.

When outdoors – especially at dawn and dusk – wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants is advised, as well as using mosquito repellent containing DEET or Icaridin. It’s also advised to avoid areas where mosquitoes are most likely to be present, such as wooded areas, gardens, golf courses, and areas near standing water.

To learn more about the status of West Nile Virus in the Hamilton area, check out the city’s website.

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• Burlington
• COVID-19
• Hamilton
• HamOnt
• Health
• mosquito
• Mosquitoes
• pandemic
• Public Health
• virus
• West Nile Virus