Ottawa Public Health recently confirmed two human cases of West Nile Virus and identified those infected as elderly residents of Ottawa’s downtown core.
The country had been alerted to the arrival of the West Nile Virus when crows started falling out of the sky in the early 2000s. The virus was in the news frequently about a decade ago, with Canadian health authorities recording more than 1,000 human cases in some years.
However, the number of cases has steadily declined with constant monitoring of mosquitoes – the prime vector of the virus – as well as increased public awareness and the use of pesticides.
Since 2002, the WNV has been found perennially in Ottawa and Ontario as a whole. The federal government has been tracking the virus carefully, ensuring that there aren’t huge spikes in human cases like there had been a decade ago.
Although many people perceive WNV to be non-life threatening, Ottawa Public Health said it isn’t taking any chances.
“Regardless of where you are in Ottawa, OPH is reminding residents to continue to protect themselves, including around your own home, or elsewhere in Ottawa’s downtown core.” said Carly Wolff, OPH program management officer.
“The risk for more serious illness from WNV increases with age,” she added. “Older residents and people with weaker immune systems are at a much higher risk.”
The first fatality in Ottawa linked to WNV involved a 92-year-old man in August 2003. He was admitted to the Ottawa Civic Hospital with “meningitis-like symptoms” and passed away after being diagnosed with WNV.
The virus first exhibits flu-like symptoms. However, older residents and people with weaker immune systems are at a higher risk for complications. For those more vulnerable to WNV, symptoms can include fever, migraines, rashes, neck stiffness, and even coma.
Not only can the virus have a severe effect on humans, but it can also harm animals. Dogs and cats in Ottawa are at risk of being infected with WNV.
“They can get infected with the virus – although unusual – but they can show neurological signs,” said Cathy Rae, manager of veterinary services at Montreal-based Zoetis Inc. “Cats have shown general signs of malaise after experimental infection, but dogs are much less likely to show any signs of infection.”
In the summer, OPH announced test results indicating that there were mosquitoes carrying cases of WNV. Local residents were warned to take extra precautions when near mosquitoes, such as around swamps, or during the hours around dusk and dawn.
When OPH was made aware of the virus in Ottawa, the agency implemented a plan to minimize the threat.
“OPH has a proactive plan to deal with WNV that includes weekly testing and surveillance of natural and man-made standing water sites located on City property.” said Wolff. “As part of this plan, OPH uses larvicide in city-owned roadside storm sewers to reduce the mosquito population.”
Although the high season for WNV is coming to an end, the OPH is urging people to be aware of and take precautions when around mosquitoes.