Worrying viruses – including West Nile -- discovered in Parry Sound district
After some worrying water sample results, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is advising residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Health unit staff have been monitoring mosquito pools in various locations across the district and this month.
"Two mosquito pools have tested positive with a virus," the health unit said in a news release Tuesday.
"One with West Nile Virus, and another with Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEE). In both cases, the mosquitoes were from pools located within the District of Parry Sound. No human cases have been reported in the health unit district."
It has been seven years since a mosquito tested positive for West Nile Virus in the Health Unit district, and 10 years since a mosquito tested positive for the EEE virus, the release said.
"Mosquitoes acquire viruses such as West Nile Virus and EEE by feeding on infected birds. The virus is spread to humans and other mammals through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not spread from other animals."
The health unit recommends residents use these personal protective measures to reduce the risk of illness due to bites from infected mosquitoes:
• Take extra care when spending time outdoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Eliminate any standing water so mosquitoes cannot breed.
• Wear light-coloured clothing, including long-sleeves, pants, socks and shoes.
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET sparingly to clothing and exposed skin areas, following recommendations by Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society.
• Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus usually appear within two to 15 days after infection. Most individuals (70 per cent to 80 per cent) infected with West Nile Virus have no symptoms.
Mild symptoms of WNV can include fever, headache, body aches, a mild rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Serious symptoms can include rapid onset of a severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, nausea or vomiting, confusion and paralysis.
Some severe cases can be fatal.
Symptoms of the EEE virus usually appear four to 10 days after infection, and some individuals may not develop symptoms. Mild symptoms include flu-like illness with fever, headache, a stiff neck, muscle aches and confusion. Severe cases include swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and can lead to coma, convulsions and death.
If you experience a sudden onset of any symptoms, seek medical attention. While there is no treatment or vaccine for West Nile Virus or EEE, symptoms can be treated.
Visit myhealthunit.ca for more information on how to protect yourself from a mosquito bite.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
King Charles too busy to see son Prince Harry during U.K. trip
Prince Harry will not be seeing his father King Charles during his current visit to Britain as the monarch will be too busy, Harry's spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL has suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly at least nine games for violating the league's gender-based violence policy.