Niagara health officials have confirmed the presence of the West Nile Virus (WNV) among some mosquitoes in the region.
The health authority said on Monday that it was its first positive result for 2024 and added that no human cases have been identified thus far.
While the mosquitoes that were found to be carrying the virus were sourced from the St. Catharines area, Niagara Region Public Health says its entire jurisdiction should be on alert.
“All Niagara residents should take the following precautions to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and potentially exposed to WNV,” it said.
In a news release, the health authority circulated the following preventive measures:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors
- Use mosquito repellent containing DEET or Icaridin, and carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions;
- Drain areas of standing or stagnant water on your property regularly, including bird baths, old tires, pails, toys and wheelbarrows; and
- Ensure all windows and doors in your home have screens that are in good condition.
Symptoms of WNV include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph glands.
Anyone with inquiries about WNV can contact the authority by phoning 905-688-8248, extension 7590, or visiting its website.