Moderate risk of West Nile virus in Hamilton after mosquitoes test positive

Hamilton’s medical officer of health has upgraded the risk of West Nile virus from low to moderate after several mosquitoes tested positive for the disease.

The City of Hamilton said a batch of mosquitoes trapped this week in Hamilton have the virus.

“These are the first West Nile virus positive mosquitos for Hamilton this year,” the city said in a statement Friday.

The city’s top doctor is reminding residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites and to remove standing water from private property to prevent mosquito breeding.

“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, Hamilton’s associate medical officer of health.

“Employing simple preventive measures such as using insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin, and wearing loose fitting, light-coloured clothing will reduce your risk while you enjoy the outdoors.”

While approximately four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms, others including older adults or those with weakened immune systems may experience West Nile fever.

Less than one per cent of infected people may experience inflammation of the brain or the lining of the brain, the city said.

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