Public Health Sudbury and Districts urges residents to prevent mosquito bites to avoid West Nile virus. Tips include using repellent, wearing long clothing, and removing outdoor standing water.
SUDBURY DISTRICT鈥擶hen spending time outside, mosquito bites are common. Everyone is at risk of getting West Nile virus (WNv). Preventing mosquito bites is important to protect yourself and your family. Mosquitoes in our area have been confirmed in past years to carry West Nile virus, and people have become ill, reports Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) in a June 10 release.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms, but some people may experience mild symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, mild rash and swollen lymph glands. In rare cases, the infection can affect the brain and cause serious illness with symptoms such as severe headache, stiff neck, difficulty swallowing, nausea or vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, muscle weakness and paralysis, along with high fevers. In these cases, WNv infection, can be fatal.
Although the overall risk of becoming infected with WNv is low, PHSD reminds everyone to take simple steps to prevent mosquito bites: use an approved insect repellent and be sure to follow the manufacturer鈥檚 recommendations; avoid going outside at dusk and dawn, as they are peak times for mosquito activity; wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks when outside; check your window and door screens to ensure that there are no tears or holes for mosquitoes to get through; consider the use of mesh bug jackets or bug hats.
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