Toronto – The first human case of the West Nile virus found in Canada came on time for a long weekend this year.
Canada’s Public Health Agency said on Thursday that a travel in Toronto is infected with an adult mosquito -borne virus with history. There were first two people with the West Nile virus in Canada, but they were infected while traveling outside the country.
Here you should know about the West Nile virus because you go out at the end of this week.
What is West Nile Virus?
The first human case of the West Nile virus appeared in Canada in 2002.
The virus was originally identified in the West Nile region of Uganda, an infectious pathologist at the University Health Network in Toronto. Isaac Bogocha said, but migratory birds were taken to many places around the world.
When mosquito bites infected birds, they in turn become infected and then pass to humans and other animals on the virus when they cut them.
The type of mosquitoes that broadcast the West Nile virus usually bites around the evening and at night, Bogoch said.
Human infections usually occur from the middle to late summer, with the temperature cooling and exiting.
Canada’s Public Health Agency says that man does not spread virus to other humans, except for very rare cases including blood transfusion, organ or tissue transplantation, pregnancy or breastfeeding of mother-to-children.
what are the symptoms?
Bogocha said, “Most people who are bitten by a mosquito harassing the West Nile virus will have no symptoms.”
For 20 to 30 percent of people who become ill for people, most will be a few days of symptoms that solve on their own.
Symptoms usually begin between two and 14 days of mosquito bites. They can include fever, muscle pain, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, swollen lymph glands and a hard neck.
The relevant part of the West Nile virus is that up to two percent of infected neuroinvic disease will be obtained, which includes encephalitis or meningitis, Bogoch said.
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain and meningitis is inflammation of the area around the brain and the spinal cord.
In “very rare” cases, people can also develop paralysis, he said.
Although no one can achieve these serious West Nile virus infections, they are more in older adults, Bogoch said.
How is the West Nile Virus treated?
There is no antiviral medicine to treat West Nile virus. Most people will not require medical attention and can manage pain and pain with over-the-counter acetaminophen, comfort and fluid.
For rare cases of neuroinvic diseases, hospitals provide supportive care, including fluids and electrolytes, and rehabilitation if necessary.
Is West Nile a vaccine for virus?
There is no vaccine for the West Nile virus.
How can I stop the West Nile Virus?
The best way to stop the West Nile virus is to avoid being bitten by a mosquito at first.
Using the insect distinguished is “very effective,” Bogoch said.
Both Bogocha and Canadian public health agencies recommend using bik sprays and lotions, which contain chemicals DEET or Ircidine. Health Canada says that those products should not be used on infants under six months of age and can use mosquito nets on parents or walks when children are outside instead.
Wearing long sleeves and long pants, socks and a hat can also prevent mosquito bites. People can also wear mosquito nets on their hats. Choose light colored clothes, as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
To ensure that all open windows have screens to keep mosquitoes and other insects are important.
It also helps to get rid of any standing water around your home or cottage because mosquitoes lay eggs. Drain buckets, planters, old tires, pool covers, wading pools and other items where water accumulates.
How common is this?
The number of reported cases vary greatly per year as PHAC started monitoring domestic infections in 2003, with some cases from some cases to the peak of 2,401 cases in 2007.
According to preliminary data from PHAC, in 2024, there were 166 reported cases.
“For most Canadians, the risk of getting infected is low because Canada is infected with relatively low mosquito West Nile virus,” said Mark Johnson, a PHAC spokesman on an email on Friday.
This report of Canadian Press was first published on August 2, 2025.
Canadian press health coverage receive support through partnership with Canadian Medical Association. CP is completely responsible for this material.
Nicole Ireland, Canadian Press
