Horse in Parry Sound District Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

PARRY SOUND, ON – A horse in the Parry Sound district has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), confirms a Public Health Ontario report received by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit). The five-year-old unvaccinated horse developed signs of WNV August. 21, and is improving after receiving treatment.

Confirmation of WNV in this horse means local mosquitoes may be spreading the infection. Mosquitoes acquire WNV by feeding on infected birds. The virus is spread to humans only by the bite of an infected mosquito. In some cases, WNV may cause symptoms including:

• rapid onset of severe headache,
• high fever,
• stiff neck,
• nausea or vomiting (sometimes both),
• difficulty swallowing,
• drowsiness,
• confusion.

Symptoms of WNV are usually mild and appear within two to 15 days after infection. Most individuals (70 to 80 per cent) infected with WNV do not have symptoms. In rare cases, however, more severe outcomes affecting the brain and nervous system are possible, particularly in those who have weakened immune systems, including elderly people. 

If you experience symptoms and are concerned, seek medical attention. While there is no vaccine available to humans for WNV, symptoms can be treated.

Mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn. The Health Unit advises people take protective measures to reduce their risk of exposure:

• Wear light-coloured clothing, including long-sleeves, pants, socks and shoes.
• Use bug spray containing DEET or Icaridin.
• Install or repair window and door screens.
• Eliminate any standing water on your property so mosquitoes cannot breed.

For more information, visit myhealthunit.ca/westnile.

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Media Inquiries

Kylie Wurdell, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca