West Nile Virus

• Don’t make yourself an easy victim for hungry mosquitoes. Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting pants and a long-sleeved shirt or blouse when outdoors.
• If outdoors, cover an infant carrier, carriage or playpen with mosquito netting.
• If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, treat exposed skin with a mosquito repellent approved by Health Canada. Read and follow all label directions and precautions carefully.

Symptoms

Although the chances of contracting West Nile Virus in Canada are relatively low, there is obviously some risk. Most people, even if infected, show no symptoms of this disease. They may have been infected and only had a brief fever or headache.

• Symptoms of West Nile Virus infection may include fever, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle weakness, rash and swollen lymph nodes.

If you have these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor can determine if you have this disease (or something with similar symptoms) and begin treatment if necessary.