West Nile virus detected in two crows in North Bay

The North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit announced that it has detected West Nile virus in two crows in North Bay.

In a press release, the health unit says the samples were submitted on June 4 by the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative and the results were received on Friday, June 7.

Mosquitoes contract West Nile virus by feeding on infected birds. The virus is transmitted to humans and other mammals through the bite of an infected mosquito. It is not transmitted by other animalssays the press release.

Being bitten by an infected mosquito will not necessarily make you sick, says the health unit.

Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 15 days after infection.

%) infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms”,”text”:”Most people (70 to 80%) infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms”}}”>Most people (70 to 80%) infected with West Nile virus have no symptomsunderlines the public health agency.

In some cases, West Nile virus can cause mild illness, including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and a rash on the chest, stomach, or backwe add.

In rare cases, more severe illness is possible, especially in people with weakened immune systems (especially the elderly).

If you experience a sudden onset of symptoms, seek medical attention. Although there is no treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus, symptoms can be treatedspecifies the health office.

The public health agency says prevention is key and people can use simple personal protection measures to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes and their risk of disease.

Last year, Public Health Ontario reported 54 confirmed or probable human cases of West Nile virus.

Only one case has been reported in Northern Ontario, in the territory of Public Health Sudbury & Districts.