First case of West Nile found in Hamilton for 2019
- Craig Clark
- 25 Sep 2019
Public health officials in Hamilton have confirmed the city’s first case of West Nile for 2019.
First cases in Hamilton of West Nile Virus in one human and Eastern equine encephalitis in one horse. Full details: https://t.co/yyO3qqJEHE #HamOnt
— City of Hamilton (@cityofhamilton) September 24, 2019
As a result, the medical officer of health has changed the risk level of the virus from moderate to high.
The city is working to remind residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to remove standing water in which the insects breed.
A lot of people infected with West Nile will not show any symptoms of signs of illness. However, the elderly or people with a weakened immune system can show signs of fever and more severe symptoms such as inflammation in the lining of their brain.
The city said in a media release that officials have been notified that a horse tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), which is also the first circumstance of a mosquito-borne virus found in a horse this year.
Most humans or horses that are bitten by an infected mosquito with EEE won’t show signs of illness. In some more severe cases, people might develop a sudden headache, high fever, chills and vomiting. EEE can also lead to disorientation, seizures and even a coma.
As of September, there have been no reported human cases of EEE in Hamilton.
Taking a few easy steps to protect yourself from mosquitoes, such as applying insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin, covering up and removing still water, can help protect Hamilton residents from possible cases of the West Nile virus or EEE.
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