Hamilton Reports First Human West Nile Case This Season

Hamilton Public Health confirmed the city's first human case of West Nile virus for the current season on Tuesday. This confirmation led to the Medical Officer of Health increasing the West Nile virus risk level from moderate to high.

Health officials are reminding residents of the importance of protecting themselves against mosquito bites. They also advise removing any standing water from private property, as this is where mosquitos breed. While most infected people experience no symptoms, severe illness, including brain inflammation, can affect about one percent of cases, particularly older adults or those with weakened immune systems.

Hamilton Public Health has implemented its surveillance and prevention program, which includes larvicide treatments on street catch basins and surface waters on public land. These measures aim to reduce mosquito populations. Residents can prevent bites by using insect repellent with DEET or Icaridin, covering up, and eliminating standing water. The risk is expected to decrease with the first heavy frost.

Further information about West Nile virus and Hamilton Public Health's mosquito control efforts is available online or by calling 905-546-2489.