Latest news with #mosquito
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
WHO raises concern about spread of mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus
The mosquito-borne chikungunya virus can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability. (Pixabay pic) GENEVA : The World Health Organisation issued an urgent call for action on Tuesday to prevent a repeat of an epidemic of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus that swept the globe two decades ago, as new outbreaks linked to the Indian Ocean region spread to Europe and other continents. An estimated 5.6 billion people live in areas across 119 countries at risk from the virus, which can cause high fever, joint pain and long-term disability, Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at the WHO, told reporters in Geneva. 'We are seeing history repeating itself,' she said, drawing parallels to the 2004-2005 epidemic, which affected nearly half a million people, primarily in small island territories, before spreading around the world. The current surge began in early 2025, with major outbreaks in the same Indian Ocean islands which were previously hit, including La Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. An estimated one-third of La Reunion's population has already been infected, Rojas Alvarez said. The virus is now spreading to countries such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya, and has shown epidemic transmission in Southeast Asia, including India. Of particular concern is the increasing number of imported cases and recent local transmission within Europe. There have been approximately 800 imported chikungunya cases in continental France since May 1, Rojas Alvarez said. Twelve local transmission episodes have been detected in several southern French regions, meaning individuals were infected by local mosquitoes without having travelled to endemic areas. A case was also detected last week in Italy. Chikungunya, for which there is no specific treatment and which is spread primarily by Aedes mosquito species, including the 'tiger mosquito' which also transmits dengue, and Zika, can cause rapid and large outbreaks. As the mosquitoes bite in the daytime, prevention is key, through the use of insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing.
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
WHO sounds alarm on risk of chikungunya epidemic
A health worker fumigates insecticide to control mosquito breeding amid dengue and chikungunya outbreaks in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (EPA Images pic) GENEVA : The World Health Organization warned on Tuesday a major chikungunya virus epidemic risks sweeping around the globe, calling for urgent action to prevent it. The WHO said it was picking up exactly the same early warning signs as in a major outbreak two decades ago and wanted to prevent a repeat. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease that causes fever and severe joint pain, which is often debilitating. In some cases it can be deadly. 'Chikungunya is not a disease that is widely known, but it has been detected and transmitted in 119 countries globally, putting 5.6 billion people at risk,' said the WHO's Diana Rojas Alvarez. She recalled how from 2004 to 2005, a major chikungunya epidemic swept across the Indian Ocean, hitting small island territories before spreading globally and affecting almost half a million people. 'Today, WHO is seeing the same pattern emerge: since the beginning of 2025, Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius have all reported major chikungunya outbreaks. One-third of the population of Reunion is estimated to have been infected already,' she told a press briefing in Geneva. 'Raising the alarm' The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue fever and Zika virus disease, making it difficult to diagnose, according to the WHO. Rojas Alvarez said that like 20 years ago, the virus was now spreading to other places in the region, such as Madagascar, Somalia and Kenya. 'Epidemic transmission is also occurring in south Asia,' she added. In Europe, imported cases have also been reported, linked with the outbreak in the Indian Ocean islands. Local transmission has been reported in France, and suspected cases detected in Italy. 'Because these patterns of transmission were seen in the outbreak from 2004 onwards, WHO is calling for urgent action to prevent history from repeating itself,' said Rojas Alvarez. She noted that the case fatality rate was less than one percent, 'but when you start counting millions of cases, that one percent can be thousands' of deaths. 'We are raising the alarm early so countries can prepare early, detect and strengthen all the capacities to avoid going through very large outbreaks.' Tiger mosquitos Rojas Alvarez explained that in regions where populations have little or no immunity, the virus can quickly cause significant epidemics, affecting up to three-quarters of the population. Chikungunya virus is transmitted to humans by the bites of infected female mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The latter, which is known as the tiger mosquito, is venturing farther north as the world warms because of human-driven climate change. They bite primarily during daylight hours, with peak activity often in the early morning and late afternoon. The WHO urged people to protect themselves through measures like using mosquito repellent and not leaving water to stagnate in containers such as buckets, where mosquitoes can breed.
CTV News
a day ago
- Health
- CTV News
Mosquitoes in Toronto have tested positive for West Nile Virus. Here's what you need to know to protect yourself
An adult mosquito is shown in the laboratory as the 2007 West Nile Virus program of the Middlesex-London Health Unit kicked off in Strathroy, Ont., Thursday May 10, 2007. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley) West Nile is back in the headlines, with mosquitoes testing positive for the virus in Toronto, Niagara Region and York Region in the last week. While there haven't been any confirmed cases in humans in Ontario so far this year, there are a few crucial things to know about the virus and how to protect yourself from it. What is the West Nile virus? West Nile is a mosquito-borne virus that has the potential to cause fatal neurological disease. It is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. Mosquitoes initially catch West Nile by feeding on perching birds, like robins, that habour the virus, creating a cycle, explained Dr. Robyn Klien, a professor at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry whose focus is on neurovirology and neuroimmunology. 'They are passing the virus between mosquitoes and birds and that's how it's maintained in nature,' she said. Some birds, like crows, are more susceptible to West Nile and can be killed by the virus. If there are several dead crows in an area, it`s often a sign that the virus is nearby. What does the West Nile virus do? Most people infected with the virus are asymptomatic, which means they don't feel anything and don`t exhibit any symptoms. Mild symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, mild rash and swollen lymph glands. People who are 50 years old or older, have underlying conditions or a weaker immune system are at risk for more severe symptoms. Those include a quick onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, nausea and/or vomiting, trouble swallowing, drowsiness, confusion, loss of consciousness, lack of co-ordination, muscle weakness or paralysis. Initial symptoms generally appear within two to 15 days after infection. For mild cases, recovery can take a week, while more severe cases have the potential to result in a slew of health issues that can last months or years after initially contacting the virus. According to Health Canada, less than one per cent of infected patients will develop severe symptoms that affect the central nervous system. Those infected with the virus cannot spread it to other humans. There is no vaccine for West Nile or medication for those infected. Klien said if someone is concerned about whether they have the virus, they can get an antibodies test through their health care provider, though it's not usually necessary for mild cases. 'If you have a neuroinvasive form of the disease, generally people will need to have a spinal tap to obtain spinal fluid to test for antibodies,' she said. How to protect yourself? Mosquitos breed in standing water, so be sure to check for areas around your home where water can collect, particularly after a rainfall. These include bird baths, flower pots, pool covers, eavestroughs and gutters. Mosquitos are most active at dusk, night and dawn. If you're planning to spend time outside during these times, it's advised that you cover up with long sleeved shirts and pants in light colours, as mosquitos are attracted to darker colours. It's also advised to use insect repellent that contains DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Make sure the windows and doors in your home have screens in good condition. What is the city doing? Toronto Public Health runs weekly mosquito surveillance from mid-June until mid-September every year. Twenty-two mosquito traps are set across the city to collect mosquitos for identification and West Nile virus testing. Confirmed and suspected human cases of the illness for Toronto residents are reportable to Toronto's Medical Officer of Health and are investigated by Toronto Public Health. Bulletins are posted to update medical professionals and the public health community with thorough epidemiologic information on the West Nile virus in Toronto. Reports are posted if sufficient cases need to be reported. How many cases of West Nile are reported in Canada? According to the most recent data from Public Health Ontario, there were 61 cases in 2023, resulting in 37 hospitalizations and one death. Toronto Public Health says that in 2023, there were a total of 22 human cases in the city. The highest number of cases in Ontario in the last decade was in 2017 when there were a total of 159 incidents of West Nile Virus.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
More mosquito samples test positive for West Nile Virus, Allegheny County Health Department says
The Allegheny County Health Department on Monday confirmed that additional mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The health department will treat areas for mosquitoes in the communities of Hazelwood, South Side Slopes, Arlington, Mount Oliver, Carrick, Knoxville, and Beltzhoover with the pesticide Zenivex E20. Zenivex E20 is classified by the EPA as a low-risk insecticide as it is not harmful to humans or pets. Crews will spray affected areas on Thursday, July 24, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. In the event of rain, spraying will take place the following Monday, July 28, during those same hours. West Nile Virus is the leading mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. and is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. Most cases of West Nile Virus occur during mosquito season, which begins in the spring and goes through the fall. The last reported human case of West Nile Virus in Allegheny County occurred in September 2024. "Generally, the species of mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus are active from dusk to dawn," said Allegheny County Health Department Vector Control Specialist Nicholas Baldauf. "To deter mosquito bites, we encourage people to use insect repellent on exposed skin or to wear long sleeves and pants. Both methods are effective at reducing or eliminating the possibility of getting a mosquito bite." People who are infected with West Nile Virus usually do not feel sick, and only one in five infected will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat West Nile Virus. Residents who believe they or someone they know might have contracted West Nile Virus should contact a health care professional for an official evaluation and diagnosis. "Allegheny County residents play an important role when it comes to reducing the area's mosquito population," said Baldauf. "Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half-inch of stagnant water, so residents should pay close attention to potential breeding sites like stagnant water in tires, unused swimming pools, buckets, corrugated piping, and clogged gutters."
CBC
3 days ago
- Health
- CBC
Mosquito traps set and study launched in B.C.'s Sea-to-Sky region after illnesses reported
Social Sharing Mosquito traps have been set up across the Sea-to-Sky region in British Columbia as health officials launch a pilot project amid concerns of severe illness transmitted by the insects. Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) said Friday that there were four cases of mosquito-borne illnesses due to the California Serogroup viruses late last year, that resulted in swelling of the brain. Dr. Moliehi Khaketla, medical health officer for VCH, said in an interview that the viruses aren't new to B.C., but it's unusual to see these "very severe" human cases. "So, this prompted us to study further, just to see and better characterize what is happening within the Sea to Sky area," said Khaketla. Officials are asking people to take precautions against mosquito bites in the region, as they warn that mosquito activity could increase in B.C. as the weather gets warmer due to climate change. The health authority said those who have been in the Sea-to-Sky region and develop symptoms of severe headaches with fever or seizures are advised to seek care immediately. What's the buzz with mosquitoes this year? 17 days ago Mosquitoes are top of mind for many people going outside near sunrise and sunset. The tiny pests seem to always get in the way during these warm summer days. CBC's Tristan Mottershead has more on this year's mosquito scene. As part of the monitoring study, traps have already been set up in the Sea-to-Sky region — along Howe Sound and north to Whistler and Pemberton — where officials say all the patients likely acquired the infections in the area. The purpose of the traps is to understand the area's mosquitoes and the illnesses they spread. Dr. Rohit Vijh, another VCH medical health officer, told CBC News that the traps were being set up at sites identified by local First Nations and environmental scientists, after input from the four patients who reported serious illness. The health authority said the four patients have recovered from their illness. The mosquito project will last for three months, and Vancouver Coastal Health said it wants to learn more about the risk to the public. In the meantime, those in the area should take preventive measures against mosquito bites, it said. Measures to protect against bites include wearing protective clothing, and avoiding any stagnant water around backyards that can be pools for mosquito breeding, said Khaketla. Khaketla said the purpose of the study is to help health officers learn more about the mosquito population within that corridor and understand what specific viruses that they are carrying. "We wanted people to be aware of the mosquito circulation within the Sea to Sky area, as it is summer months, we expect mosquitoes to circulate." The mosquito-borne illnesses that officials investigated, part of the so-called California Serogroup viruses, usually do not cause symptoms, but when they do occur, they are flu-like, with a fever, headache, fatigue, and occasional nausea or vomiting. Climate change risk Officials say the specific viruses that caused illness in the Sea-to-Sky region were the Snowshoe Hare virus and the Jamestown Canyon virus. Vancouver Coastal Health said that, prior to this cluster of four cases, 10 cases associated with the two viruses were reported in B.C. since 2009, two of which were in the VCH region. The health authority said in a statement that cases of mosquito-borne illnesses usually occur between May to October when there is increased mosquito activity, but this period may be extended due to "increasingly warmer temperatures" from climate change. "As our temperatures rise, as well as the period of of increased heat becomes longer and there's more months, you will see more mosquito activity," Vijh said. "The longer summers you have, the more likely more of those [mosquito] eggs will be produced and survive over the winter," he added. Vancouver Coastal Health, the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, partners from the Lil'wat Nation and Squamish nations and the University of British Columbia will collaborate on the surveillance pilot project.
