West Nile Virus Arrived in Canada

In July this year, the Ottawa Public Health (OPH), having received official confirmation of mosquito testing positive for the West Nile Virus. urged residents to take measures to protect against mosquitoes.

In their press release, OPH reported that approximately 20 percent of infected may have flu-like symptoms. Normally, the West Nile fever is asymptomatic.

As of August 24, 2018, a the Medical Officer of Health has set the risk of the West Nile virus in Hamilton high. That is, the Western Nile Virus is already circulating in the Ontario mosquito population, so the likelihood of being bitten by an infected mosquito is now higher than before.

“Please continue to take precautions to avoid illness spread by mosquitos. This includes applying insect repellent containing DEET, covering up, and to also remove standing water on your property to prevent mosquito breeding” – said Dr. Bart Harvey.

Global warming, international travel and trade have created favorable conditions for disease vectors. Mosquitoes are able to adapt and spread beyond their normal habitat, so today it is extremely important to find effective anti-mosquito solutions to protect themselves and their relatives from dangerous mosquito-borne diseases.