Latest news with #WestNile
CTV News
11 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
Bird found in BWG tests positive for West Nile virus
This 2014 photo made available by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a feeding female mosquito. (James Gathany/CDC via AP, File) A dead bird with the West Nile virus (WNv) has shown up in Bradford West Gwillimbury. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) received a notice from Public Health Ontario that a bird had tested positive for the virus. This is the first lab-confirmed evidence of WNv in Simcoe Muskoka this year. The West Nile virus circulates between birds and mosquitoes. The virus can be transmitted to humans by a mosquito bite if the mosquito has first bitten an infected bird. The risk of contracting WNv from an infected mosquito is high in late summer and the SDMHU recommends the following measures: Use an approved mosquito repellent, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. l Wear light-coloured clothing and cover up in areas where mosquitoes are present. Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn Most people will not become sick if bitten by an infected mosquito, yet WNv can cause severe illness in some people. Symptoms of WNv include fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache and a sudden sensitivity to light. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious illnesses of the brain. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical advice. The health unit continues its surveillance for the virus throughout Simcoe Muskoka. Anyone with concerns about a sick or dead bird can contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) at 1-866-673-4781.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
West Nile virus: Wisconsin reports first case; Here are the early symptoms to know
Wisconsin has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) for 2025, health officials announced July 28. The infection was identified in a resident of Barron County, while mosquitoes in Milwaukee and Lafayette counties also tested positive for the virus. Though most infected individuals show no symptoms, about 1 in 5 infected by West Nile virus (WNV) develop mild illness, while fewer than 1 in 150 may suffer severe, potentially life-threatening neuroinvasive disease. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. With no vaccine or targeted antiviral treatment available for humans, prevention and awareness are the primary defenses. While most people don't experience severe symptoms, those over 50 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications like encephalitis or meningitis. What is West Nile Virus? West Nile virus is a single-stranded RNA virus that causes West Nile fever. It is a member of the family Flaviviridae, from the genus Flavivirus, which also contains the Zika virus, dengue virus, and yellow fever virus. The virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, mostly species of Culex. The virus was initially identified in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937. It has since spread globally, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North America. How does WNV spread? West Nile virus (WNV) is primarily spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on birds that carry the virus. Humans, horses, and other mammals can then contract WNV from the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes, particularly certain species of Culex mosquitoes, are the main vectors for WNV. They become infected when they bite birds that carry the virus. Birds, especially certain species like crows and jays, are considered amplifying hosts, meaning they can carry high levels of the virus in their blood, making them efficient transmitters to mosquitoes. When an infected female mosquito bites a human or other mammal, it injects saliva, which can contain the virus, into the bloodstream. While mosquito bites are the primary route, WNV can also be transmitted through blood transfusions and organ transplants, as well as from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. There have also been rare cases of transmission in laboratory settings and through oral-fecal routes in alligators and crocodiles. However, West Nile virus is not spread through casual contact with infected individuals or through the air. Moreover, mammals like humans are "dead‑end hosts" because they typically don't carry enough virus in their blood to facilitate further mosquito infection. Peak transmission occurs between July and October, a period marked by warm, humid weather that favors mosquito breeding and bird activity. Early symptoms: What to watch for While most people infected with WNV remain symptom-free (around 80%), about 20% develop West Nile fever, a short-lived, flu-like illness. Key symptoms include: Fever and chills Severe headache Body aches and fatigue Rashes Nausea or vomiting Joint pain These symptoms typically appear 2 to 14 days after infection, though incubation can be longer in immune-compromised individuals. Severe illness: Less common, but a serious health hazard Less than 1% of infected people develop neuroinvasive West Nile disease. This severe form can result in: Meningitis: fever, stiff neck, headache Encephalitis: altered mental state, seizures, tremors Acute flaccid paralysis or coma Muscle weakness or difficulty breathing, possibly requiring hospitalization Who are at risk? Although most people infected with West Nile virus remain asymptomatic (~80%), around 20% experience West Nile fever – flu‑like symptoms including fever, headache, fatigue, and sometimes rash. Less than 1% develop neuroinvasive disease (meningitis or encephalitis), marked by high fever, neck stiffness, confusion, tremors, or paralysis – conditions that can be fatal in about 10% of these cases. Individuals over 60, organ transplant recipients, and those with weakened immune systems or certain chronic (comorbid) conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease are at higher risk of severe West Nile virus illness. While anyone can be bitten by an infected mosquito, these groups are more likely to experience serious complications if infected. Additionally, people with weakened immune systems, due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or undergoing chemotherapy, are more susceptible to severe illness. Individuals who have received organ transplants are at increased risk due to the immunosuppressant medications they take to prevent organ rejection. While not a direct risk factor for acquiring the virus, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should be cautious and consult with their doctor if they experience symptoms. Precautions and safety tips To prevent West Nile virus (WNV) infection, the most important precaution is to minimize mosquito bites. This involves using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and reducing mosquito breeding sites. Additionally, limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours (dusk and dawn) and ensuring proper screening of windows and doors can help reduce exposure. Department of Public Health and the CDC recommend: Avoid peak mosquito activity: Be cautious at dusk and dawn, when Culex mosquitoes are most active. Use EPA‑registered insect repellents: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are recommended. Dress smart: When outdoors, especially during peak mosquito hours, wear long sleeves, long pants, and a hat to cover as much skin as possible. Eliminate standing water weekly: Dump water from flowerpots, gutters, and water bowls, as mosquitoes need only a bottlecap's water to breed. Maintain screens and doors: Install and repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Use mosquito netting: If you are sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened area, use mosquito netting to prevent bites. Be informed and report: Stay updated on local alerts and report stagnant water or dead birds to county health officials. Be aware of travel risks: If traveling to an area with known WNV activity, take extra precautions and consult with your doctor about necessary preventative measures. Maharashtra reports first case of Zika virus
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
My husband of 5 months went to bed with a headache and woke up having a seizure – doctors gave him 5% chance of living
'One moment we were planning our future, and the next I was rushing my 27-year-old husband to hospital without knowing if he'd survive,' Cami says SHOCK FIND My husband of 5 months went to bed with a headache and woke up having a seizure – doctors gave him 5% chance of living Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CAMI and Jake Bartel had been married just five months when their world was turned upside down. Just before bed one night in 2019, Jake, then 27, complained of a headache, nothing Cami, 23 at the time, thought much of. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Cami and Jake Bartel only been married five months when Jake had a seizure Credit: Cover Images 8 Jake had swelling on his brain, so medics initially suspected a severe viral or bacterial infection Credit: Cover Images 8 Doctors prepared Cami for the worst Credit: Cover Images The couple went to sleep as normal at their home in Chicago, and both hoped it would pass by morning. But at 4am on October 1, Cami woke to find Jake having a seizure right beside her in bed. 'I called 911 immediately. It was surreal, almost like watching someone else's life unravel,' said Cami, now 28. 'One moment we were planning our future, and the next I was rushing my 27-year-old husband to hospital without knowing if he'd survive.' What started as a simple headache had spiralled into a full-blown medical emergency overnight. By the time Jake was admitted, doctors were completely baffled. 'He didn't just have a seizure,' said Cami. 'There was also swelling on his brain, and that really scared everyone.' Medics initially suspected a severe viral or bacterial infection and ran urgent tests for everything from meningitis to West Nile virus. 'They told me they were checking for all kinds of infections,' she said. 'But every single test came back negative. It was like watching them search in the dark while Jake got worse.' How to check your pulse, for risk of stroke With no clear answers and Jake's condition deteriorating rapidly, doctors prepared Cami for the worst. 'That's when they gave me the five per cent survival rate,' she says. 'They assumed it had to be some virus they just couldn't identify, but they weren't even considering anything beyond that. 'I was 22, sitting there, trying to process that my husband, who had been healthy just hours earlier, might not make it through the night.' But Jake, now 32, defied the odds and was discharged from hospital just two weeks later. However, the nightmare was far from over, as no one could explain what had happened or why. 8 'I was 22, sitting there, trying to process that my husband, who had been healthy just hours earlier, might not make it through the night,' Cami says Credit: Cover Images 8 Jake was eventually diagnosed with MELAS a rare, incurable genetic disorder Credit: Cover Images 'We went home with no diagnosis, just this overwhelming sense of fear mixed with relief,' said Cami. During the hospital stay, one resident doctor had mentioned MELAS, a rare mitochondrial disorder that usually appears in childhood. At 27, Jake didn't fit the profile so most doctors brushed it off, but the couple agreed to genetic testing, just in case. Then, at the end of 2019, they got the call that would change everything: Jake tested positive for MELAS - Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like Episodes. 'It felt like someone had pulled the rug from under our lives,' Cami said. 'We had no idea what MELAS even was, and suddenly it became the defining factor in every decision we made.' MELAS is a rare, incurable genetic disorder that affects the mitochondria, organelles responsible for producing energy in the cells. Loss of youth For Jake, a large portion of those mitochondria simply don't work. 'It means his body can't generate enough energy,' Cami said. 'He can look fine on the outside, but inside his cells are starving.' The diagnosis forced them to overhaul every part of their life. Jake had to leave his position as an attorney and wine date nights stopped. He began a strict low-stress lifestyle, new medications, and a specialist diet to avoid triggering further episodes. 'We were in our 20s, and suddenly everything was about survival,' said Cami. 'The hardest part wasn't just the physical toll, it was the loss of that youthful certainty. 'That sense that the future was ours.' Looking back, Cami believes that moment reflects a wider issue. 'Mitochondrial diseases like MELAS are so often overlooked, especially in adults. "If that one resident hadn't mentioned it weeks later, we might never have found out.' 'They were convinced it was some unknown infection they couldn't identify,' said Cami. 'Mitochondrial disease wasn't even on their radar," she added. 8 The diagnosis forced the couple to overhaul every part of their life Credit: Cover Images 8 In 2021, Jake returned to university and earned a master's degree in education Credit: Cover Images The experience highlighted just how easily rare conditions like MELAS are missed or misdiagnosed, especially in adults. In January and February 2020, Jake was back in hospital with stroke-like episodes, a common but terrifying complication of MELAS. 'Each time, I wondered if this would be the one that takes something from us permanently,' said Cami. But Jake never gave up. In 2021, he returned to university and earned a master's degree in education. They moved to Arizona, and he started working as a teacher. 'Starting all over again' For the first time since his diagnosis, it felt like things were settling. Then, in October 2022, they bought their first home. 'We were so proud,' Cami recalled. 'It felt like we were building something solid again.' But just one week after moving in, Jake suffered a major stroke that impaired his speech. 'I can't put into words what it's like to watch the person you love struggle to speak,' she says. 'I knew he was still Jake, but I also knew we were starting all over again.' It took Jake two years of recovery and rehabilitation to regain his speech and strength. Today he's back working as an attorney, and he and Cami now share their story on TikTok to raise awareness of MELAS and support others navigating chronic illness. Their TikTok page, has become a place of education, vulnerability, and hope. In one emotional clip, Jake thanked viewers for their support. 'We didn't expect this kind of response, and we're genuinely grateful,' he said. 'It's been incredibly hard to come to terms with having MELAS. Every day is a balancing act, managing my health while trying to live a full life.' What is MELAS syndrome? MELAS syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects how the body produces energy. The name stands for mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes. It's caused by faults in mitochondrial DNA, the tiny energy factories inside cells, which are passed down from the mother. The condition can lead to stroke-like episodes, seizures, memory loss, dementia, muscle weakness, hearing loss, and short stature. Symptoms often appear after normal early childhood development and can also include frequent headaches, learning difficulties, and nerve damage. Doctors usually diagnose MELAS using brain scans that show unusual stroke-like damage, blood tests revealing high lactic acid levels, and muscle biopsies showing signs called 'ragged red fibers.' There's no cure, but treatment helps manage individual symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment varies between people depending on what their symptoms are. Source: National Orgainsation for Rare Disorders 'You never know what's coming next' The couple frequently answer questions from followers, especially about MELAS being hereditary. 'It is maternally inherited,' says Cami explained. 'But we've been told any children we may have won't be affected.' More than anything, Cami and Jake want others in similar situations, particularly young couples, to know they're not alone. 'If your partner has a medical condition, you learn quickly that love is more than romance," she said. "It's about being in the trenches together." "Love so hard," she added. "Never go to bed angry. Be grateful, even on the hard days. Because you never know what's coming next.'
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
West Nile virus cases surge in the US: How to spot the first symptoms of the infection before it gets serious
It starts like a summer itch. You swat away a mosquito, maybe curse the humidity, then carry on. But what if that bite is more than a nuisance? What if it's carrying something far more dangerous? As temperatures climb and mosquito season hits full swing, West Nile virus (WNV) is making headlines again. Across several US states, public health officials are reporting a spike in confirmed West Nile infections, and the numbers are creeping up faster than usual this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first confirmed a case of West Nile virus in June, involving a patient from Southern Illinois who was hospitalized with serious complications. A second case was reported in Lake County on July 16, where a resident in their 70s fell ill earlier in the month, marking another confirmed infection during this year's mosquito season. So, what's going on? And more importantly how can you tell the difference between a bug bite and something more dangerous? West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne illness that spreads when an infected mosquito bites you. Birds are the virus's preferred host, but mosquitos are the ones doing all the dirty work—biting infected birds and then passing the virus to humans. Most cases happen during the warmest months, especially July through September. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing you Can be Too Old for Learn More Undo And while the majority of people infected with the virus don't show any symptoms at all, a small percentage get very sick and some of those cases can turn fatal. First symptoms of West Nile virus Here's where things get tricky. About 8 out of 10 people infected with WNV never feel a thing. But the remaining 20%? They're hit with something called West Nile fever—and it's not pretty. The first signs usually show up 2 to 14 days after a mosquito bite, and can include: Fever (mild to high) Headache Fatigue or feeling 'off' Body aches and joint pain Skin rash (sometimes) Swollen lymph nodes Eye pain or light sensitivity Sounds like the flu, right? Or COVID. Or just a really bad Monday. That's what makes early detection so tricky, it hides in plain sight. If you're otherwise healthy, you'll likely recover on your own in about a week or two. But here's the kicker: in rare cases, the virus can invade your nervous system. That's where things get serious. Neuroinvasive West Nile: When it becomes dangerous In less than 1% of cases, WNV can lead to something called neuroinvasive disease—meaning the virus makes its way into your brain or spinal cord. This can cause: Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) Meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around your brain and spinal cord) Acute flaccid paralysis (a sudden, polio-like paralysis) The symptoms of severe WNV infection include: High fever Severe headache Neck stiffness Disorientation or confusion Tremors or seizures Muscle weakness Coma If you or someone you know starts showing these signs after mosquito exposure, go to a hospital immediately. Time matters. Who's most at risk? Anyone can get West Nile, but adults over 60, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic conditions (like diabetes or kidney disease) are at higher risk for severe symptoms. But don't let your age fool you. There have been fatal cases in young, otherwise healthy people too—so no one gets a free pass. How to protect yourself this mosquito season Okay, now that we've scared you just enough to take this seriously, here's the good news: prevention works. Simple steps make a big difference: Wear insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus Cover up with long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk Dump standing water in birdbaths, plant trays, buckets—mosquitoes love it Fix screens on windows and doors to keep the buzzers out Stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible And no, citronella candles don't count as mosquito armor. So the next time you brush off a mosquito bite, pay attention to your body in the days that follow. A mild headache might just be stress… or it could be your early warning sign. West Nile virus FAQs What are the first signs of West Nile Virus in humans? The most common early symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes a rash. These can appear 2 to 14 days after a mosquito bite. Many people confuse them with the flu or just feeling run-down. How do you catch West Nile Virus? You get infected through the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. It's not contagious between people, and you can't get it through touching or casual contact. Can West Nile Virus be cured? There is no specific cure or antiviral treatment for West Nile Virus. Most people recover on their own, but severe cases may require hospitalization for supportive care like IV fluids and pain management. Who is most at risk for serious complications? People over age 60, and those with weakened immune systems, cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease, are more likely to develop serious forms like meningitis or encephalitis. Is there a vaccine for West Nile Virus? As of now, no vaccine is available for humans—though one exists for horses. Prevention relies on mosquito control and personal protection, like using repellent and avoiding peak mosquito hours.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Mosquitos with West Nile virus have been detected in Mississauga: city
West Nile virus has been detected in some mosquitos in Peel Region, according to a news release Friday from the City of Mississauga. Infected mosquitoes were detected near Airport and Derry roads in Mississauga. While the risk of contracting the virus is low, the city is urging residents to protect themselves and their property from mosquitos. "There is no vaccine or specific treatment for humans, making prevention essential," says the city's release. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans from the bites of infected mosquitos. Symptoms can take two to 14 days to develop and include fever, headache, nausea, skin rash and body aches. People over the age of 50 or with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for complications. Mississauga says residents can try the following recommendations to limit mosquito exposure: Stay inside during peak mosquito hours at dusk and dawn. Apply insect repellents with DEET or Icaridin. Wear light-coloured protective clothing, like long sleeves and a hat. Empty and scrub standing water sources, like birdbaths, where mosquitos breed. Ensure windows and door screens fit securely.
