A Halton resident has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first human case for Halton this year.

"Halton Region Public Health works to reduce the risk of West Nile virus in our community through education and preventative programs such as larviciding. Until the fall frost, Halton residents should continue to protect themselves and their families against mosquito bites and remove mosquito breeding sites,” said Dr. Patrick Galange, Halton Region Associate Medical Officer of Health. “About 80 per cent of individuals infected with West Nile virus will have no symptoms, while others may develop a febrile illness consisting of fever, headache, muscle ache and a rash. About one in a hundred people infected with West Nile virus may develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system. This may present as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord).”

The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 637,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; paramedic services; waste management; public health; social assistance; children’s and seniors’ services; housing services; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, call 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at halton.ca.