07 Oct 2024 | 02:14 PM UTC
Canada: Elevated West Nile virus activity reported in Quebec, especially Monteregie, in early October
Elevated West Nile virus activity reported in Quebec, Canada, in early October. Monteregie is most affected. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health officials have reported elevated West Nile virus activity in multiple areas in Quebec, with 63 cases reported as of Sept. 24. This is higher than the 20 cases reported in Quebec in 2023. Monteregie (27 cases) is the most affected, followed by Montreal (10 cases), Laurentides (9 cases), Laval (7 cases), and Chaudiere-Appalaches (5 cases). Health officials recommend that the public take mosquito bite prevention measures during outdoor activities, especially those at higher risk of complications, such as people over 50, immunocompromised individuals, or those with chronic conditions. This report represents the most up-to-date information available as of Oct. 7.
Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas.
West Nile virus season in Canada typically runs from mid-April to October, occurring during summer and continuing into fall. Health officials reported 47 cases in 2022, 45 cases in 2021, and 166 cases in 2020.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most infected people develop no symptoms. However, approximately 20 percent of infected people develop febrile illness characterized by symptoms of fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash. Fewer than 1 percent of infected individuals develop serious neurologic illness, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms typically appear 2-6 days after being bitten but can develop up to 14 days after exposure.
