Ottawa⁢ Reports​ First Human ⁤Case of Mosquito-Borne Encephalitis Virus

Ottawa has reported ⁢its first human case of mosquito-borne encephalitis virus (EEEV). Ottawa Public Health announced that a resident who died from viral encephalitis in August was⁢ confirmed to have the virus.

According to health ​authorities, the encephalitis virus is mainly‌ spread⁤ between wild birds and mosquitoes,‌ occasionally infecting horses and, rarely, humans. The virus is not⁣ transmitted directly from one person to another.

Prevention Measures

There is no⁣ vaccine for human encephalitis virus yet. ⁢Therefore, Ottawa ‌Public Health recommends several measures to prevent mosquito bites.

• Apply mosquito repellent containing Health Canada-approved DEET ‌or Icaridin ⁣to exposed skin and clothing.
• Avoid using DEET on synthetic fabrics.
• Take special ⁢care in ‍shaded⁤ areas with many trees.
• Wear ‍loose clothing made of light-colored, dense fabrics, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, ‌shoes, and socks.
• Install‌ good screens on ⁣windows and⁣ doors in the house.

In addition to the encephalitis virus case,⁤ two human cases of West Nile Virus were reported this summer.