West Nile Virus Cases Rise in Ontario as health Officials Urge Prevention
TORONTO – Confirmed โcases โof West Nile virus are appearing in multipleโข Ontario communities, prompting health alerts and a renewed call forโข public awareness and preventative measures.Cases haveโ been identified in Toronto, โขHalton,โ and โHuron Perth, with officials emphasizing the โimportance โof protecting against mosquito bites.
The emergence of theseโข cases coincides with a significant heatwave in the northern Pacific Ocean, a phenomenon scientists attribute to rising global temperatures, potentiallyโ contributing to increased mosquito populations and virus transmission. โWhile West Nile virus is not new to the region, heightened awareness is crucial for minimizing risk.โข Healthโ officials โคare stressing that understanding theโค seasonal circulation of the โvirus and taking proactive steps to avoid mosquito exposure are keyโ to preventingโฃ infection.
Toronto General Hospitalโค infectious diseases specialist โฃDr.โค Isaac Bogoch โขadvises, “Make sureโ that people are โขaware that it’s circulating at certain times of the year and โขthen taking steps to โฃavoid andโฃ prevent mosquito bites to prevent โคtransmission of this infection.”
Region of Waterloo Public Health recommends applying insect repellentโค and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, particularly during dusk and dawn – peak mosquito activity times.โค Individuals experiencing symptoms are โขencouragedโฃ to consult a doctor to avoid potential complications.
