Niagara Region Public Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus this year, in Niagara Falls.
In an Aug. 21 news release, the Niagara Region urged all residents and visitors to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Most people show no symptoms, though some develop flu-like illness and about one per cent face severe complications.
Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk.
Public Health recommends draining standing water, repairing window screens and damaged doors, avoiding mosquito-heavy areas, wearing protective clothing, particularly at dawn and dusk, and using repellents with DEET or Icaridin.
The region is also continuing its larviciding program, applying Health Canada–approved treatments to catch basins, ditches and stormwater ponds to curb mosquito populations.
