2 deaths linked to insect bites in Quebec — but experts say no reason to panic
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CBC
9 hours ago
- CBC
Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Chatham-Kent
Mosquitoes trapped in Chatham-Kent have tested positive for West Nile virus, CK Public Health announced Wednesday. The insects collected on July 30 from a trap in Ridgetown are the first from the traps to test positive for the virus this season, the health unit said in a news release. West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Many people infected experience no symptoms. Some may experience mild symptoms such as a fever, headache, body aches and fatigue. In rare cases, infected individuals may experience more severe symptoms, including a stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and paralysis. Anyone with severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, the health unit said. Older individuals and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness. The health unit is urging residents to protect themselves from the virus by: Wearing light-coloured clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. Using insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin. Staying indoors from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Ensuring that all door and window screens are tight and free of holes.
CBC
10 hours ago
- CBC
Province to begin spraying for mosquitoes in Winkler Friday as West Nile concerns rise
Risk for potential human exposure to West Nile Virus currently 'very high' in Winkler The province plans to begin spraying for mosquitoes in and around Winkler, Man., this week, due to high numbers of the insects, and evidence of a high rate of mosquito infection with West Nile virus in the southern Manitoba city. According to a Thursday bulletin, the province will begin spraying for adult mosquitoes with DeltaGard 20EW in the city of Winkler on Friday, weather permitting, as well as in an approximately three kilometre extended zone around the city. The extended zone includes the communities of Reinfeld, Chortitz and Schanzenfeld. The spraying is expected to take place overnight between Friday and Saturday this weekend, and a second time overnight between Monday and Tuesday of next week. Public health officials said recent warm, humid conditions were ideal for Culex tarsalis mosquitoes that can spread the West Nile virus. The risk for potential exposure to the virus is currently high in the Southern Health region, "and is considered very high in Winkler and surrounding area," the province said. The province added the risk will likely continue during the "historical high-risk period" between mid-July and mid-August, but said as of Thursday no locally acquired human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Manitoba. Health officials are also recommending that anyone participating in outdoor activities in and around Winkler, and other areas in southern Manitoba, take steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and potential exposure to the virus, including reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn, and using an appropriate mosquito repellent. According to the province, DeltaGard 20EW, the insecticide used for mosquito fogging in Manitoba, is classified as a reduced-risk pesticide, and when applied using ultra-low volume methods is unlikely to affect human health. West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause severe illness including encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and can sometimes result in long-term complications and death, and the province said it only takes a single bite from an infected mosquito to contract the virus.
CTV News
13 hours ago
- CTV News
Health officials warn of possible measles exposure at Pearson Airport Terminal 1
Public health officials in York Region say they're investigating exposures to a newly confirmed case of measles. This latest infection, which the health unit noted is separate from a previously reported case on Aug. 1, is linked to two exposure sites: Air Canada Flight AC 8881 from Newark, New Jersey on July 30 from 5:10 to 7:33 p.m. Toronto Pearson International Airport – Terminal 1, 6301 Silver Dart Dr., Mississauga on July 30 from 7:33 to 11 p.m. In both instances, people are being advised to watch for symptoms until Aug. 20, which is 21 days after exposure. Anyone who attended any of these locations at the dates and times indicated may have been exposed to measles, York Region Public Health (YRPH) said in an Aug. 7 news release. Officials are advising anyone who was on the aforementioned flight and believes they may have been exposed to the measles virus to visit to complete a brief contact follow-up survey citing Exposure ID: 2025034. 'This will help York Region Public Health assess your risk (or those present with you) and prioritize contacts at greatest risk of becoming infected,' it said in a release. The health unit is also asking people who may have been exposed to confirm that they and their family members have two doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV). Those born before 1970 would likely have had measles as a child and are protected, YRPH said, adding that immunizations are one of the safest ways to protect you, your children, and your community from serious and potentially deadly vaccine-preventable diseases. Anyone who develops measles symptoms, which may include high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes (like pink eye or conjunctivitis), and a non-itchy red rash (that typically appears three to seven days after the start of other symptoms) on the head and neck that then spreads downward to the chest, arms and legs, should stay home and not attend work or school. Symptoms typically start seven to 21 days after exposure to the virus. They should call their health care provider before going and inform them that they may have measles and need additional precautions. People who may be experiencing the symptoms of measles can also call York Region Public Health at 1-877-464-9675, ext. 77280, seven days a week. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that easily spreads through airborne transmission. The virus can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. Infants under one year of age, pregnant individuals and those who have a weakened immune system are at increased risk of severe complications, including encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and even death. More information about measles can be found online.
