While cooler temperatures are rolling in, the health unit is reminding residents mosquitoes are still active in our region. With mosquito activity still around, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) says it means West Nile virus continues to circulate with the risk remaining high. Officials urge residents and visitors to protect themselves from mosquito bites as they’ll continue to be out and about until the first hard frost. The health unit says this reminder has come after a human case of West Nile virus was reported in Simcoe County in addition to five birds and one horse. There are likely more cases though, according to the SMDHU, but many people don’t get sick from the virus. It circulates between birds and some species of mosquitoes resulting in a sick human, if bitten by a mosquito that’s first been bitten by an infected bird. Preventative measures people can take are using insect repellent, wearing light-coloured clothing and covering exposed skin, removing standing water around the home and making sure window and door screens are in good condition. Most people don’t get sick from West Nile virus, but some can get quite ill with symptoms including fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache and sensitivity to light. The SMDHU recommends anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.
