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Public health officials in Toronto confirmed that a resident had tested positive for West Nile virus – the first human case diagnosed in the city this year.
The agency issued a statement Friday to warn the public positive for the virus in the hospital and is now recovering at home.
"Although the risk of contracting West Nile virus in Toronto is very low, it is time to remind residents how to protect themselves from mosquito bites and reduce the risk of infection," says Dr. Eileen. Villa, the medical officer of health of Toronto, said in a statement
that it was not immediately clear where and when the resident contracted the virus.
Toronto Public Health confirmed 26 human cases of West Nile virus in 2017, more than 25% from the previous year
The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. But the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) says urban residents should not be afraid to enjoy the outdoors. "West Nile virus is a disease that domestic mosquitoes can contract, the real risk being in small water plans and not in conservation areas," said Scott Jarvie, deputy director of environmental monitoring and of TRCA data management
. Toronto Public Health recommends that residents take the following preventative measures to prevent mosquito bites:
- Cover yourself outdoors wearing light colored clothing with long sleeves and trousers
- Apply an insect repellent containing DEET or incaridine. Avoid being outside during mosquito peaks, such as dawn and dusk.
- Remove stagnant water from your property where mosquitoes can breed, including pets, ponds, catch basins, bird baths or small water plans. rests on the outside.
- Dress the windows and doors of your home with tight-fitting screens.
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