Fort Erie residents cautioned after West Nile Virus confirmed in Niagara

There is one more reason good reason to hate mosquitos.

Earlier today, the Region of Niagara announced the first confirmed case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes this year.

Found in St. Catharines, residents of Fort Erie and beyond are urged to be cautious and reduce the risk of bites. Some tips include:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors
• Ensure all windows and doors in have screens that are in good condition
• Use mosquito repellent containing DEET or icaridin, and carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions
• Drain areas of standing or stagnant water regularly, including bird baths, old tires, pails, toys, and wheelbarrows

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), four out of five people infected with WNV do not develop any symptoms.

About one in five people who are infected develop a fever accompanied by headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

So far, there have been no human WNV cases identified in Niagara in 2024.

The virus can be found in humans by testing the blood or fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

There is no no specific treatment, medication or vaccine for WNV, and severe cases may require hospitalization.

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