Hamilton encounters first human case of West Nile Virus

Back in July, Hamilton’s public health department announced that mosquitos infected with West Nile virus had arrived in Hamilton. As of this weekend, the city has encountered the year’s first local human case of the virus.

The city has increased the risk of catching West Nile from moderate to high.

Hamilton’s health officials are reminding residents to try their best to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

The easiest way to avoid being bitten is to use insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin. Wearing light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing (think thin and light fabrics like linen) will also help.

Symptoms of West Nile virus appear between two and fourteen days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. A common symptom is fever, but in severe cases West Nile can lead to swelling of the brain.

About 80 per cent of those who contract West Nile virus never experience any symptoms.

Mosquito season in Ontario begins mid-April and goes until the first frost. Mosquitos are most active between dawn and dusk, mid-July through early September.

While you enjoy your last few weeks of summer in the great outdoors, stay safe and be smart.

Do you have any tips or tricks to avoid being bitten? Let us know in the comments.

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• dawn
• dusk
• early fall
• Hamilton
• HamOnt
• late summer
• mosquito season
• Mosquitos
• mosqutio bites
• outdoors
• West Nile Virus