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Global News
02-08-2025
- Health
- Global News
Canada has its 1st case of West Nile this year. Here's what to know about the virus
Confirmation of the first human case of West Nile virus acquired in Canada this year arrived just in time for the August long weekend. The Public Health Agency of Canada said Thursday that an adult in Toronto with no travel history has been infected with the mosquito-borne virus. There had previously been two people with West Nile virus in Canada, but they were infected while travelling outside the country. Here's what you need to know about West Nile virus as you head outdoors this weekend. WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS? The first human case of West Nile virus appeared in Canada in 2002. The virus was originally identified in the West Nile region of Uganda, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist at the University Health Network in Toronto, but was carried to many places around the world by migratory birds. Story continues below advertisement When mosquitoes bite infected birds, they in turn become infected and then can pass on the virus to humans and other animals when they bite them. The type of mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus usually bite around dusk and at night, Bogoch said. Human infections usually occur in mid to late summer, petering out as the temperature cools down. The Public Health Agency of Canada says humans don't spread the virus to other humans, except for very rare cases including blood transfusions, organ or tissue transplants, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or breastfeeding. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'The vast majority of people who are bitten by a mosquito harbouring West Nile virus will have no symptoms whatsoever,' said Bogoch. For the 20 to 30 per cent of people who get sick, most will have a few days of symptoms that resolve on their own. Symptoms usually begin between two and 14 days after the mosquito bite. They can include fever, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, swollen lymph glands and a stiff neck. The concerning part of West Nile virus is that up to two per cent of people infected will get neuroinvasive disease, including encephalitis or meningitis, Bogoch said. Story continues below advertisement Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain and meningitis is inflammation of the area around the brain and spinal cord. In 'very rare' cases, people can also develop paralysis, he said. Although anyone can get these severe West Nile virus infections, they tend to happen more in older adults, Bogoch said. HOW IS WEST NILE VIRUS TREATED? There is no antiviral medication to treat West Nile virus. Most people won't need medical attention and can manage aches and pains with over-the-counter acetaminophen, rest and fluids. For the rare cases of neuroinvasive diseases, hospitals provide supportive care, including fluids and electrolytes, and provide rehabilitation if needed. IS THERE A VACCINE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS? There is no vaccine for West Nile virus. HOW CAN I PREVENT WEST NILE VIRUS? The best way to prevent West Nile virus is to avoid being bitten by a mosquito in the first place. Using insect repellent is 'very effective,' Bogoch said. Both Bogoch and the Public Health Agency of Canada recommend using bug sprays and lotions containing the chemicals DEET or Icaridine. Health Canada says those products should not be used on infants under six months old and parents can use mosquito nets over cribs or strollers when babies are outside instead. Story continues below advertisement Wearing long sleeves and long pants, socks and a hat can also protect against mosquito bites. People can also wear mosquito nets over their hats. Choose light-coloured clothing, because mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours. Making sure all open windows have screens to keep mosquitoes and other bugs out is important. Getting rid of any standing water around your home or cottage also helps because that's where mosquitoes lay eggs. Drain buckets, planters, old tires, pool covers, wading pools and other objects where water accumulates. HOW COMMON IS IT? The number of reported cases annually varies greatly since PHAC started tracking domestic infections in 2003, ranging from a handful of cases per year to a peak of 2,401 cases in 2007. In 2024, there were 166 reported cases, according to PHAC's preliminary data. 'For most Canadians, the risk of getting infected is low because relatively few mosquitoes in Canada are infected with West Nile virus,' said Mark Johnson, a spokesperson for PHAC, in an email Friday.
Toronto Sun
02-08-2025
- Health
- Toronto Sun
Canada has its 1st case of West Nile this year. Here's what to know about the virus
Published Aug 02, 2025 • 3 minute read Mosquito sucking blood, little insect on skin. Photo by Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Confirmation of the first human case of West Nile virus acquired in Canada this year arrived just in time for the August long weekend. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Public Health Agency of Canada said Thursday that an adult in Toronto with no travel history has been infected with the mosquito-borne virus. There had previously been two people with West Nile virus in Canada, but they were infected while travelling outside the country. Here's what you need to know about West Nile virus as you head outdoors this weekend. WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS? The first human case of West Nile virus appeared in Canada in 2002. The virus was originally identified in the West Nile region of Uganda, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist at the University Health Network in Toronto, but was carried to many places around the world by migratory birds. When mosquitoes bite infected birds, they in turn become infected and then can pass on the virus to humans and other animals when they bite them. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The type of mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus usually bite around dusk and at night, Bogoch said. Human infections usually occur in mid to late summer, petering out as the temperature cools down. The Public Health Agency of Canada says humans don't spread the virus to other humans, except for very rare cases including blood transfusions, organ or tissue transplants, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or breastfeeding. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? 'The vast majority of people who are bitten by a mosquito harbouring West Nile virus will have no symptoms whatsoever,' said Bogoch. For the 20 to 30 per cent of people who get sick, most will have a few days of symptoms that resolve on their own. Symptoms usually begin between two and 14 days after the mosquito bite. They can include fever, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, swollen lymph glands and a stiff neck. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The concerning part of West Nile virus is that up to two per cent of people infected will get neuroinvasive disease, including encephalitis or meningitis, Bogoch said. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain and meningitis is inflammation of the area around the brain and spinal cord. In 'very rare' cases, people can also develop paralysis, he said. Although anyone can get these severe West Nile virus infections, they tend to happen more in older adults, Bogoch said. HOW IS WEST NILE VIRUS TREATED? There is no antiviral medication to treat West Nile virus. Most people won't need medical attention and can manage aches and pains with over-the-counter acetaminophen, rest and fluids. For the rare cases of neuroinvasive diseases, hospitals provide supportive care, including fluids and electrolytes, and provide rehabilitation if needed. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. There is no vaccine for West Nile virus. HOW CAN I PREVENT WEST NILE VIRUS? The best way to prevent West Nile virus is to avoid being bitten by a mosquito in the first place. Using insect repellent is 'very effective,' Bogoch said. Both Bogoch and the Public Health Agency of Canada recommend using bug sprays and lotions containing the chemicals DEET or Icaridine. Health Canada says those products should not be used on infants under six months old and parents can use mosquito nets over cribs or strollers when babies are outside instead. Wearing long sleeves and long pants, socks and a hat can also protect against mosquito bites. People can also wear mosquito nets over their hats. Choose light-coloured clothing, because mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Making sure all open windows have screens to keep mosquitoes and other bugs out is important. Getting rid of any standing water around your home or cottage also helps because that's where mosquitoes lay eggs. Drain buckets, planters, old tires, pool covers, wading pools and other objects where water accumulates. HOW COMMON IS IT? The number of reported cases annually varies greatly since PHAC started tracking domestic infections in 2003, ranging from a handful of cases per year to a peak of 2,401 cases in 2007. In 2024, there were 166 reported cases, according to PHAC's preliminary data. 'For most Canadians, the risk of getting infected is low because relatively few mosquitoes in Canada are infected with West Nile virus,' said Mark Johnson, a spokesperson for PHAC, in an email Friday. For more health news and content around diseases, conditions, wellness, healthy living, drugs, treatments and more, head to – a member of the Postmedia Network. Toronto Blue Jays Columnists Columnists Homes Canada
Winnipeg Free Press
02-08-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canada has its 1st case of West Nile this year. Here's what to know about the virus
TORONTO – Confirmation of the first human case of West Nile virus acquired in Canada this year arrived just in time for the August long weekend. The Public Health Agency of Canada said Thursday that an adult in Toronto with no travel history has been infected with the mosquito-borne virus. There had previously been two people with West Nile virus in Canada, but they were infected while travelling outside the country. Here's what you need to know about West Nile virus as you head outdoors this weekend. WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS? The first human case of West Nile virus appeared in Canada in 2002. The virus was originally identified in the West Nile region of Uganda, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist at the University Health Network in Toronto, but was carried to many places around the world by migratory birds. When mosquitoes bite infected birds, they in turn become infected and then can pass on the virus to humans and other animals when they bite them. The type of mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus usually bite around dusk and at night, Bogoch said. Human infections usually occur in mid to late summer, petering out as the temperature cools down. The Public Health Agency of Canada says humans don't spread the virus to other humans, except for very rare cases including blood transfusions, organ or tissue transplants, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or breastfeeding. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? 'The vast majority of people who are bitten by a mosquito harbouring West Nile virus will have no symptoms whatsoever,' said Bogoch. For the 20 to 30 per cent of people who get sick, most will have a few days of symptoms that resolve on their own. Symptoms usually begin between two and 14 days after the mosquito bite. They can include fever, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, swollen lymph glands and a stiff neck. The concerning part of West Nile virus is that up to two per cent of people infected will get neuroinvasive disease, including encephalitis or meningitis, Bogoch said. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain and meningitis is inflammation of the area around the brain and spinal cord. In 'very rare' cases, people can also develop paralysis, he said. Although anyone can get these severe West Nile virus infections, they tend to happen more in older adults, Bogoch said. HOW IS WEST NILE VIRUS TREATED? There is no antiviral medication to treat West Nile virus. Most people won't need medical attention and can manage aches and pains with over-the-counter acetaminophen, rest and fluids. For the rare cases of neuroinvasive diseases, hospitals provide supportive care, including fluids and electrolytes, and provide rehabilitation if needed. IS THERE A VACCINE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS? There is no vaccine for West Nile virus. HOW CAN I PREVENT WEST NILE VIRUS? The best way to prevent West Nile virus is to avoid being bitten by a mosquito in the first place. Using insect repellent is 'very effective,' Bogoch said. Both Bogoch and the Public Health Agency of Canada recommend using bug sprays and lotions containing the chemicals DEET or Icaridine. Health Canada says those products should not be used on infants under six months old and parents can use mosquito nets over cribs or strollers when babies are outside instead. Wearing long sleeves and long pants, socks and a hat can also protect against mosquito bites. People can also wear mosquito nets over their hats. Choose light-coloured clothing, because mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours. Making sure all open windows have screens to keep mosquitoes and other bugs out is important. Getting rid of any standing water around your home or cottage also helps because that's where mosquitoes lay eggs. Drain buckets, planters, old tires, pool covers, wading pools and other objects where water accumulates. HOW COMMON IS IT? The number of reported cases annually varies greatly since PHAC started tracking domestic infections in 2003, ranging from a handful of cases per year to a peak of 2,401 cases in 2007. In 2024, there were 166 reported cases, according to PHAC's preliminary data. 'For most Canadians, the risk of getting infected is low because relatively few mosquitoes in Canada are infected with West Nile virus,' said Mark Johnson, a spokesperson for PHAC, in an email Friday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 2, 2025. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
Hamilton Spectator
02-08-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Canada has its 1st case of West Nile this year. Here's what to know about the virus
TORONTO - Confirmation of the first human case of West Nile virus acquired in Canada this year arrived just in time for the August long weekend. The Public Health Agency of Canada said Thursday that an adult in Toronto with no travel history has been infected with the mosquito-borne virus. There had previously been two people with West Nile virus in Canada, but they were infected while travelling outside the country. Here's what you need to know about West Nile virus as you head outdoors this weekend. WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS? The first human case of West Nile virus appeared in Canada in 2002. The virus was originally identified in the West Nile region of Uganda, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist at the University Health Network in Toronto, but was carried to many places around the world by migratory birds. When mosquitoes bite infected birds, they in turn become infected and then can pass on the virus to humans and other animals when they bite them. The type of mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus usually bite around dusk and at night, Bogoch said. Human infections usually occur in mid to late summer, petering out as the temperature cools down. The Public Health Agency of Canada says humans don't spread the virus to other humans, except for very rare cases including blood transfusions, organ or tissue transplants, mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or breastfeeding. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? 'The vast majority of people who are bitten by a mosquito harbouring West Nile virus will have no symptoms whatsoever,' said Bogoch. For the 20 to 30 per cent of people who get sick, most will have a few days of symptoms that resolve on their own. Symptoms usually begin between two and 14 days after the mosquito bite. They can include fever, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, swollen lymph glands and a stiff neck. The concerning part of West Nile virus is that up to two per cent of people infected will get neuroinvasive disease, including encephalitis or meningitis, Bogoch said. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain and meningitis is inflammation of the area around the brain and spinal cord. In 'very rare' cases, people can also develop paralysis, he said. Although anyone can get these severe West Nile virus infections, they tend to happen more in older adults, Bogoch said. HOW IS WEST NILE VIRUS TREATED? There is no antiviral medication to treat West Nile virus. Most people won't need medical attention and can manage aches and pains with over-the-counter acetaminophen, rest and fluids. For the rare cases of neuroinvasive diseases, hospitals provide supportive care, including fluids and electrolytes, and provide rehabilitation if needed. IS THERE A VACCINE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS? There is no vaccine for West Nile virus. HOW CAN I PREVENT WEST NILE VIRUS? The best way to prevent West Nile virus is to avoid being bitten by a mosquito in the first place. Using insect repellent is 'very effective,' Bogoch said. Both Bogoch and the Public Health Agency of Canada recommend using bug sprays and lotions containing the chemicals DEET or Icaridine. Health Canada says those products should not be used on infants under six months old and parents can use mosquito nets over cribs or strollers when babies are outside instead. Wearing long sleeves and long pants, socks and a hat can also protect against mosquito bites. People can also wear mosquito nets over their hats. Choose light-coloured clothing, because mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours. Making sure all open windows have screens to keep mosquitoes and other bugs out is important. Getting rid of any standing water around your home or cottage also helps because that's where mosquitoes lay eggs. Drain buckets, planters, old tires, pool covers, wading pools and other objects where water accumulates. HOW COMMON IS IT? The number of reported cases annually varies greatly since PHAC started tracking domestic infections in 2003, ranging from a handful of cases per year to a peak of 2,401 cases in 2007. In 2024, there were 166 reported cases, according to PHAC's preliminary data. 'For most Canadians, the risk of getting infected is low because relatively few mosquitoes in Canada are infected with West Nile virus,' said Mark Johnson, a spokesperson for PHAC, in an email Friday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 2, 2025. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
