A batch of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus has been detected in Toronto, prompting a Toronto Public Health advisory for residents.
“Most people — 70 percent to 80 percent — who are infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms,”The federal health agency added that while most symptoms are expected to wear off two to 15 days after the infection, those infected with West Nile can be at risk of developing more “severe” conditions, including drowsiness, loss of consciousness and paralysis, health effects that could take months to recover.
“Adults 50 years or older and those with underlying conditions or weaker immune systems, however, are at greater risk,” Health Canada said. West Nile virus is routinely tested out of 22 traps across the city from mid-June to mid-September once a week. Mosquitoes, said Toronto Public Health, are submitted to a laboratory where they are regrouped into pools and tested.
“The risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus continues to be low in Toronto,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de VillaWearing light-coloured clothing, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors are recommended by Toronto Public Health. The use of insect repellent, especially on peak mosquito-biting hours, dusk and dawn, is also advised.
Meanwhile, installing tight-fitting screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home and removing any standing water where mosquitoes can breed is also recommended.
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