According to Ottawa Public Health (OPH), a resident died in August from encephalitis and was infected with the Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE) virus, a mosquito-borne disease that is rarely transmitted to humans.
Like West Nile virus, EEE is typically transmitted between wild birds and mosquitoes, according to OPH. It sometimes infects horses, hence the name, but is rarely transmitted to humans.
Last month, OPH announced that There have been only three confirmed human cases in OntarioOnly on Monday did Health Canada No EEE infections reported in humans.
According to OPH, this is the first confirmed human case of electrical and electronic equipment in Ottawa.
On Thursday, OPH said the person died last month. a viral encephalitisor encephalitis. A laboratory confirmed the infection with EEE based on the antibodies found in a test.
OPH said in a follow-up email to CBC that it could not provide any further information about the victim but concluded that “local exposure in Ottawa was very likely.”
A second horse in Ottawa tested positive for the virus, it said, and the EEE virus was also found in a mosquito tank.
Risks from mosquitoes to severe frost
Early EEE symptoms may include fever, headache, and vomiting. according to Health Canada. Symptoms can lead to brain damage, coma and death.
There is a vaccine for horses, but not for humans.
According to OPH, the best protection against EEE is to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing loose-fitting but tightly woven clothing to minimise contact with exposed skin, and ensuring that window and door screens are in good condition.
The danger of stings remains until the first heavy frost in autumn, especially at night and near bush or forest areas.
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