Its here. West nile virus has been detected in Simcoe county.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit reports its first West Nile virus (WNv) mosquito pool this year.Tests on a mosquito pool in east-end Barrie were confirmed positive for the virus on September 5. The health unit will continue surveillance for the virus in the area and throughout Simcoe Muskoka.
Brenda Armstrong is the manager of health hazards for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
She says The best way to protect yourself is to prevent mosquito bites.
Although most people will not become sick if bitten by an infected mosquito, WNv can cause severe illness in some people. Precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes are an important safeguard against the virus.
Symptoms of WNv include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache and a sudden sensitivity to light. In very rare cases, the virus may cause serious neurological illness. Those experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice.
There have been no human cases in Simcoe Muskoka since 2006.
