Ottawa resident who tested positive for mosquito-borne virus dies, public health says
The City of Ottawa is reporting the first human case of the mosquito-borne virus eastern equine encephalitis (EEEV).
Ottawa Public Health (OPH) says a resident who died of a viral encephalitis in August tested positive for an eastern equine encephalitis virus infection.
The health unit says like West Nile Virus, EEEV "normally cycles between wild birds and mosquitoes but can occasionally spread to horses and, rarely, to humans through an infected mosquito's bite."
"Humans do not get infected with EEEV from a horse or another human."
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
There is no vaccine for humans against EEEV.
In August, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness said EEEV had been confirmed in a horse in the Ottawa area.
"A 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was ataxic when brought in from the field, was dull and would hang his head down in the corner of the stall. He became recumbent overnight and developed nystagmus in the morning," the ministry said.
The horse was euthanized. Officials say the horse was not vaccinated against EEEV.
Symptoms of EEEV in humans include a fever, headaches, respiratory symptoms and vomiting.
The Public Health Agency of Canada said as of Sept. 12, this is the only confirmed positive human EEEV disease case in the 2024 mosquito season (May to October) in Canada.
"The Public Health Agency of Canada is aware of the recently confirmed human case and subsequent death related to Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) disease in Ontario, as reported by Ottawa Public Health. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time," a spokesperson said.
"Based on available data in Canada, locally-acquired human cases of EEEV are rare. Prior to this case, there had been three locally acquired human cases of EEEV confirmed in Canada by PHAC’s National Microbiology Laboratory since 2016, with the last case being identified in 2022."
Eight cases of EEEV in horses have been reported across Canada.
Ottawa Public Health is urging residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites to reduce the risk from West Nile Virus and eastern equine encephalitis virus. Tips to protect yourself include:
- Applying a Health Canada-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET or icaridin to exposed skin and clothing (avoid applying DEET to synthetic fabrics)
- Protecting yourself when mosquitoes are active, especially between dusk and dawn and any time you are near shady hedges or bushy or wooded areas
- Wearing light-coloured, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing, such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks, to protect exposed skin
- Making sure all windows and doors in your home have screens that are in good condition
The health unit reported two human cases of West Nile Virus this summer.
In July, a horse tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus in Lanark County.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Say it to my face': Singh confronts heckling protester on Parliament Hill
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh confronted a protester for calling him a 'corrupted bastard' on Parliament Hill on Tuesday.
BREAKING Poilievre's first chance to topple Trudeau government expected next week
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is set to get his first chance to topple Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority Liberal government next week, CTV News has confirmed.
Why it's 'very hard' to find work in Canada
Vacancies have steadily fallen since the glut of nearly one million open posts in 2022. At the time, one in three businesses had trouble hiring staff due to a labour shortage. Since then, vacancies have dropped.
Judge orders Sean 'Diddy' Combs jailed in sex trafficking and racketeering charges
Sean 'Diddy' Combs presided over a sordid empire of sexual crimes, coercing and abusing women for years while using blackmail and shocking acts of violence to keep his victims in line, according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday.
Liberals need to 'redouble efforts' after byelection losses, Trudeau ministers say
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he's going to 'stay focused' on governing after being handed his second byelection upset in recent months, as members of his front bench say they’re 'disappointed' in the party's latest showing at the polls.
A wave of exploding pagers in Lebanon and Syria kills at least 9, including members of Hezbollah
Pagers used by hundreds of members of the militant group Hezbollah exploded near simultaneously in Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday, killing at least nine people -- including an 8-year-old girl -- and wounding several thousand, officials said. They blamed Israel in what appeared to be a sophisticated, remote attack.
Two people charged in murder of Halifax teen; police believe remains have been found
Halifax Regional Police believe Devon Sinclair Marsman, who disappeared in 2022, was the victim of a homicide and two people have now been charged in his death.
Inflation data reveals what cost more in Canada lately
Canadians are still feeling the pinch when it comes to shopping for certain items and living expenses, even as inflation has cooled, according to Statistics Canada's new data released Tuesday.
How to prevent lung cancer, regardless of whether you smoke, according to a doctor
More people who have never touched a cigarette are getting lung cancer, but there are ways to prevent it, according to a doctor.