Canada: West Nile Virus outbreak possible in Ontario

Event

Health experts in Ontario province are predicting that there will be a large-scale outbreak of the West Nile Virus in the coming weeks. Researchers found that the number of mosquitoes that tested positive for the virus has continued to rise throughout the summer months and may be reaching its apex. The researchers believe the Toronto, Hamilton, Halton, Peel, Windsor-Essex county, and York regions will be particularly affected, based on historic data. As of Wednesday, August 23, 14 cases of the disease have been reported in Ontario.

Context

West Nile virus is a disease most commonly transmitted by mosquitoes. Transmission is particularly high during periods of heat and humidity. The disease is asymptomatic in 70-80 percent of cases but when symptoms do appear they include: fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or rash. Severe symptoms, which occur in less than 1 percent of cases, include high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures, or paralysis.

There are no vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for the West Nile virus.

Advice

Individuals present in Ontario are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to keep abreast of the situation.