West Nile virus

West Nile virus is an infection that is carried by mosquitoes in many countries of the world, including Canada and the USA. Mosquitoes are infected with the virus when they bite an infected bird. People then get the virus when the infected mosquito bites them.

Most people who get West Nile virus (70% to 80%) experience no symptoms at all. Others may experience a sudden high fever with these flu-like symptoms:

• headache
• joint pains
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• rash

The first human case of West Nile virus infection in Canada was reported in Ontario in 2002. Since then, cases have been reported so far in:

• British Columbia
• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Quebec

Outside of these provinces, any reported cases have been linked to travel.