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Mississauga resident first case of WNV in Peel

October 2, 2016   ·   0 Comments

Peel Public Health has confirmed its first human case of West Nile Virus for 2016.
An elderly Mississauga resident started showing flu-like symptoms in early-September, about a week after being bitten by a mosquito in Peel and is currently recovering.
“This first case confirms that there is West Nile activity in Peel and is a reminder to residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Regional Director of Environmental Health Paul Callanan. “While risk of becoming infected is still low, most people who contract the disease show no symptoms, 20 per cent will experience mild flu-like symptoms, and about one in 150 is at risk of developing a more severe form of the disease.”
Residents are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by avoiding areas with high mosquito populations and take extra precautions in the mornings and evenings when mosquito activity is highest; wearing light-coloured clothing that covers exposed skin, such as long sleeves, pants and a hat; using an insect repellent containing DEET and apply it according to the manufacturer’s directions; and removing or draining items on properties that hold still water. Water that is still for more than seven days is an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit peel-bugbite.ca or call Peel Public Health at 905-584-2216 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

         

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