West Nile virus is a virus mainly transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Mosquitoes transmit the virus after becoming infected by feeding on the blood of birds which carry the virus.
Most people infected with the virus have no symptoms or they have flu-like symptoms. Sometimes though, the virus can cause severe illness, resulting in hospitalization and even death so it is important to know the symptoms of illness related to infection and how to minimize your risk, especially if virus activity is reported in an area near you.
For more information on West Nile Virus, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Risk in the District of Thunder Bay
The risk of West Nile Virus to humans in the City and District of Thunder Bay is currently low.
The 2006 surveillance program showed the overall risk to human health in the Thunder Bay District was considered minimal. Only 0.8% (less than 1%) of the mosquitoes tested were the species (Culex restuans) which are able to transmit the disease to birds. And, the number of mosquitoes trapped was down by over half from two years ago, indicating a significant drop in the mosquito population.
Last year, there were no human cases of West Nile Virus reported in the Thunder Bay District; however there was one within the Northwestern District.
The Surveillance Program
Thunder Bay District Health Unit. along with all health units in