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
Trudeau's 2024: Did the PM become less popular this year?
Justin Trudeau’s numbers have been relatively steady this calendar year, but they've also been at their worst, according to tracking data from CTV News pollster Nik Nanos.
Back on air: John Vennavally-Rao on reclaiming his career while living with cancer
'In February, there was a time when I thought my career as a TV reporter was over,' CTV News reporter and anchor John Vennavally-Rao writes.
The winter solstice is here, the Northern Hemisphere's darkest day
The winter solstice is Saturday, bringing the shortest day and longest night of the year to the Northern Hemisphere — ideal conditions for holiday lights and warm blankets.
What we know about the suspect behind the German Christmas market attack
Germany on Saturday was still in shock and struggling to understand the suspect behind the attack in the city of Magdeburg.
Poilievre writes to GG calling for House recall, confidence vote after Singh declares he's ready to bring Liberals down
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has written to Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, imploring her to 'use your authority to inform the prime minister that he must' recall the House of Commons so a non-confidence vote can be held. This move comes in light of NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh publishing a letter stating his caucus 'will vote to bring this government down' sometime in 2025.
Overheated immigration system needed 'discipline' infusion: minister
An 'overheated' immigration system that admitted record numbers of newcomers to the country has harmed Canada's decades-old consensus on the benefits of immigration, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said, as he reflected on the changes in his department in a year-end interview.
School custodian stages surprise for Kitchener, Ont. students ahead of holiday break
He’s no Elf on the Shelf, but maybe closer to Ward of the Board.
Kelly Clarkson's subtle yet satisfying message to anyone single this Christmas
The singer and daytime-talk show host released a fireside video to accompany her 2021 holiday album, “When Christmas Comes Around” that she dubbed, “When Christmas Comes Around…Again.
Pope Francis reprimands Vatican staff for gossiping in annual Christmas message
Pope Francis told Vatican bureaucrats on Saturday to stop speaking ill of one another, as he once again used his annual Christmas greetings to admonish the backstabbing and gossiping among his closest collaborators.