Public health officials say they've identified the first probable human case of West Nile virus in Waterloo Region.Waterloo Region Public Health says the a Cambridge man who has the virus is in hospital in serious condition.
Assoxciate Medical Officer of Health, Doctor Hsiu-li Wang says the majority who contract it either don't show symptoms or feel like they have the flu.
"Those who are over 50 or who have immuno compromising conditions are more likely to develop serious west nile virus."
Symptoms in severe cases can involve swelling of the brain a high fever and a stiff neck.
Public Health advises people to shorten their time outdoors during dusk and dawn use repellants containing deet and to eliminate any standing water you have around your home as mosquitoes can breed in bird baths and flower pot saucers.
In total six positive mosquito pools have been found across the region.
For Ontario, this could turn out to be one of the worst years for the virus. Public health officials are reporting 82 cases in the province so far this year.
The worst year on record was 2002, when Ontario had 186 cases of the mosquito-borne virus.
Alberta has 4 confirmed cases. West Nile has also been found in Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan as well.
No one has died from West Nile in Canada this year.
