Toronto woman tests positive for West Nile
Last Updated: Friday, August 18, 2006 | 3:22 PM ET
CBC News
A 45-year-old Etobicoke woman has been diagnosed with West Nile virus, the first human case for the Toronto area this year.
| To avoid mosquito bites, which can cause West Nile infection: |
Sources: Health Canada and U.S. Centers for Disease Control |
The woman was in hospital for two weeks and is recovering at home.
So far this year, 26 mosquito pools and eight birds have tested positive for the virus in Toronto.
"We know West Nile virus is circulating throughout the city and it's important to take precautions," associate medical officer of health Dr. Michael Finkelstein said Friday. "Human cases of the illness are usually contracted at this time of year."
The overall risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus is low, according to health officials. They said most people who do contract the virus will not experience symptoms.
For those who do, symptoms include fever, headaches and fatigue.
In about one per cent of cases, the West Nile virus can cause a more serious illness called West Nile neurological syndrome, which can have serious complications, including weakness, paralysis, coma or death.
