There may be "higher than usual" West Nile Virus activity in Ottawa this summer, Ottawa Public Health warned on Wednesday.
The agency is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites when going outdoors.
Mosquito trapping and testing have confirmed West Nile Virus in Ottawa mosquitos again this year, and the positive test results have come relatively early in the season.
Public health is also calling in residents to help reduce mosquito populations around their homes by getting rid of outdoor objects that can hold water in which mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
Most people won't develop any symptoms if infected with West Nile virus, but about 20 per cent may experience flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, muscle aches, and, possibly, a rash.
Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are more at risk for more serious symptoms of the virus.
There have been no reported confirmed or probable human cases of the virus in Ottawa this year. There were two last year in Ottawa, and 49 across Ontario.
Suggestions from Ottawa Public Health to avoid mosquito bites include:
- Wear bug spray
- Protect yourself between dusk and dawn and in shady, wooded areas
- Wear light-coloured clothing to protect exposed skin
- Make sure windows and doors have screens
- Reduce standing water sites around your home
- Cover rain barrels with screen mesh
