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.