Latest news with #DEET
CBC
5 days ago
- Health
- CBC
Mosquitoes in Hamilton test positive for West Nile virus for the 1st time this year
While most who contract the virus have no symptoms, one per cent experience brain swelling Mosquitoes in Hamilton have tested positive for West Nile virus for the first time this year, leading the city to increase the risk of contracting the virus from "low" to "moderate." The city trapped a batch of mosquitoes this week that tested positive, it said in a news release issued Friday. "Residents are reminded to protect themselves against mosquito bites and to remove standing water from private property to prevent mosquito breeding," it says, noting it recommends removing any standing water at least once weekly. For their part, city workers apply larvicide in municipal street catch-basins, also known as storm drains, as part of an ongoing effort to prevent illness, and have completed two such rounds of treatment this year, said the release. The city said most people infected with West Nile virus are asymptomatic, but about 20 per cent – including older adults or people with weakened immune systems – can experience West Nile fever. About one per cent of those who contract the virus experience inflammation of the brain or the lining of the brain, the city said. Symptoms typically appear two days to two weeks after being infected. The city also recommends wearing mosquito repellant containing DEET or Icaridin, avoiding areas with lots of mosquitoes and wearing long sleeves and pants in places where the insects are present.
Yahoo
5 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.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Mosquitoes on Hamilton Mountain test positive for West Nile virus
A cluster of mosquitoes trapped this week in Hamilton has tested positive for West Nile virus. The batch, found on the central Mountain, marks the first group of the buzzing insects to be found with the virus this year, according to a city media release. The discovery also prompted the medical officer of health to raise the city's risk level for the virus from low to moderate. '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 statement. To prevent getting bitten by the bloodsucking bugs, residents are reminded to protect themselves while outside and also remove standing water on their property to prevent mosquito breeding. For those who plan on spending time outdoors, Harvey advises residents to use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin and wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing that covers both arms and legs. Residents should also ensure they are covered up and sprayed down if they plan on being in wooded areas, on the golf course or working in gardens at dusk or dawn, when the pests are most active. The city noted roughly 80 per cent of people infected with the virus will show no symptoms, but seniors and immunocompromised folks could experience fevers, headaches and body aches, as well as confusion, muscle weakness and sensitivity to light. Less than one per cent of people with the virus develop other serious illnesses, such as meningitis and encephalitis. Symptoms typically appear two to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Since 2019, at least 71 mosquito pools have tested positive for the virus, with the highest number recorded in 2023, with 29 infected batches, according to city data . In that same period, at least 15 Hamiltonians tested positive for the virus. There have been no animal or human cases so far this year. As part of the city's West Nile surveillance and prevention program, staff recently completed a second round of larvicide treatments on street catch basins. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
A new tick-borne disease is here. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be fatal. Here's what you need to know.
The Grand Erie Public Health unit wants people to know the signs and symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever after several dogs in the area tested positive. All the dogs had been to the Long Point area, a popular vacation spot on Lake Erie. People can also get the bacterial illness if bitten by a tick carrying it. Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) has been uncommon in Ontario, but the new medical officer of health for Grand Erie encountered it when he was working in the central Appalachia region of the United States. 'I've seen cases of this, and treated patients for this. It is a very serious illness,' Dr. Jason Malenfant told The Spectator on Thursday. While it can be cured with antibiotics, the illness can be fatal in both dogs and humans if it's not recognized and treated early. Symptoms in dogs include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and joint and abdominal pain. In humans, symptoms — like muscle pain, headache, chills, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea — often start two to 14 days after a tick bite. A rash, beginning on the wrists and ankles and spreading across the body, usually starts a few days after the fever, according to a fact sheet from the former Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit. Spreading awareness is a 'top priority' because the illness wouldn't typically be on the radar of local doctors and veterinarians, Malenfant said. To reduce the risk of RMSF, the health unit recommends avoiding tick-infested areas, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors, using insect repellents with DEET (and tick-prevention products on pets), and checking for ticks when coming in from outdoors. If you've removed a tick from yourself or a family member, the health unit suggests submitting a photo to . 'This is a helpful first step' in identifying the species and 'assessing potential risk for any tick-borne diseases,' a spokesperson for the health unit said. GEPH is 'continuing to monitor tick populations and tick-borne disease trends at the community level,' and encourages people to talk to their health-care provider if they are concerned about possible exposure, he said. Last year, Brant, Norfolk County and Hamilton were identified as 'risk areas' for Lyme disease, another tick-spread infection, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. So far, 21 cases of Lyme disease have been reported this year for GEPH, and 34 cases in Hamilton, according to Public Health Ontario data. For more information, visit or . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
6 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Grand Erie health officials warn of new tick-borne disease in area
The Grand Erie Public Health unit wants people to know the signs and symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever after several dogs in the area tested positive. All the dogs had been to the Long Point area, a popular vacation spot on Lake Erie. People can also get the bacterial illness if bitten by a tick carrying it. Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) has been uncommon in Ontario, but the new medical officer of health for Grand Erie encountered it when he was working in the central Appalachia region of the United States. 'I've seen cases of this, and treated patients for this. It is a very serious illness,' Dr. Jason Malenfant told The Spectator on Thursday. While it can be cured with antibiotics, the illness can be fatal in both dogs and humans if it's not recognized and treated early. Symptoms in dogs include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and joint and abdominal pain. In humans, symptoms — like muscle pain, headache, chills, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea — often start two to 14 days after a tick bite. A rash, beginning on the wrists and ankles and spreading across the body, usually starts a few days after the fever, according to a fact sheet from the former Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit. Spreading awareness is a 'top priority' because the illness wouldn't typically be on the radar of local doctors and veterinarians, Malenfant said. To reduce the risk of RMSF, the health unit recommends avoiding tick-infested areas, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors, using insect repellents with DEET (and tick-prevention products on pets), and checking for ticks when coming in from outdoors. If you've removed a tick from yourself or a family member, the health unit suggests submitting a photo to . 'This is a helpful first step' in identifying the species and 'assessing potential risk for any tick-borne diseases,' a spokesperson for the health unit said. GEPH is 'continuing to monitor tick populations and tick-borne disease trends at the community level,' and encourages people to talk to their health-care provider if they are concerned about possible exposure, he said. Last year, Brant, Norfolk County and Hamilton were identified as 'risk areas' for Lyme disease, another tick-spread infection, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. So far, 21 cases of Lyme disease have been reported this year for GEPH, and 34 cases in Hamilton, according to Public Health Ontario data. For more information, visit or . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
