Hamilton health officials say risk of contracting West Nile virus is ‘high’

Health officials in Hamilton are warning residents about an increased risk of contracting the West Nile virus.

The city says a batch of mosquitoes trapped this week tested positive for the virus.

The results prompted the city’s Medical Officer of Health to move the West Nile virus risk from moderate to high.

“In the warmer months it is important to take precautions to avoid illnesses spread by insects including West Nile Virus and Lyme disease,” said Dr. Bart Harvey, Associate Medical Officer of Health in a news release. “Employing simple preventive measures such as using insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin, and wearing loose-fitting, light-colored clothing will reduce your risk while you enjoy the outdoors.”

While most people infected with the virus will have no symptoms, about 20 per cent may develop more severe illnesses including inflammation of the brain or the lining of the brain.

Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk to experience serious complications.

If symptoms do occur, they appear two to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Residents are reminded to protect themselves against mosquito bites and to remove standing water from private property to prevent mosquito breeding.

The city has offered the following tips to help keep you and your family safe from mosquitoes.

• Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes
• Use a mosquito repellent (bug spray) containing DEET or Icaridin
• Avoid areas where mosquitoes are known to be present or cover up by wearing light coloured long sleeves and long pants when in mosquito areas such as wooded areas, on the golf course, or in the garden, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
• Reduce mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water at least weekly from your property