the windsor-essex county health unit has confirmed the first known local case of west nile virus in a human this year.
“this positive human case is a reminder for residents to continue to protect themselves from exposure while enjoying the outdoors,” the health unit said. “it is also important to remove any standing water around homes and businesses.”
the health unit said this is the first clinically diagnosed and lab-confirmed human case in the region in 2022. officials did not say where in essex county the infected person lives.
humans are usually infected through the bite of a mosquito that has fed on birds carrying the virus, according to the health unit. most people never develop symptoms and will not know they have the virus.
the health unit said that anyone can be infected, but people over the age of 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe disease.
to protect yourself, the health unit said you should remove all standing water from your property and use insect repellents containing deet, icaridin or other approved ingredients.
you should also wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and a hat when outdoors. light-coloured clothing is best because mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours.