The Sudbury & District Health Unit (SDHU) reports that a horse in the city of Greater Sudbury has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNv). This is the second reported horse to test positive in the Health Unit’s service area. The first local horse to test positive was reported in August 2004.

WNv is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. WNv is established in Ontario and has been found in birds, mosquitoes, horses, and humans. Last year, there were over 10 confirmed human cases of WNv in Ontario. The SDHU reported its first and only case of human WNv in 2006.

It is important to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites by taking the following precautions:

• Use an insect repellent approved by Health Canada and follow the application recommendations on the package.
• If possible, stay indoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear light-coloured clothing, including long sleeves, long pants, socks, and a hat whenever you are outdoors.
• Check all window and door screens in your home to ensure that there are no tears or holes for mosquitoes to get through.

The SDHU will enhance its mosquito trapping in the area where the positive horse was identified. To date in 2015, there have been no positive mosquito pools found in the Health Unit’s service area.

There is no evidence that a horse can pass the virus to humans.

WNv is a mosquito-borne disease that normally causes only mild illness in humans. Severe complications, including meningitis and encephalitis are also possible, particularly in people over 50 years of age, and among those who have weakened immune systems.

For questions regarding WNv in domestic animals, including horses, please contact your veterinarian.

For information about WNv, visit www.sdhu.com or call 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).