The first confirmed human case of West Nile in Manitoba was found in a child under the age of 10.
The province says the child was hospitalized and likely was exposed in early July and experienced neurological symptoms.
Dr. Khodevisi a Medical Officers of Health at Prairie Mountain Health says this case is very rare.
“Less than one percent of those affected with this virus experience severe illness involving the central nervous system.”
Khodevisi says in most cases people don’t feel any symptoms.
“Approximately 80 percent of those affected with the West Nile virus do not show any symptoms. Of the 20 percent that have symptoms, the symptoms would be like a flue, mild like, illness. So, probably fever, headache, muscle ache, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash.”
Heading into the long weekend, health officials are reminding people that we’re seeing some ideal conditions for the breed of mosquito that carries West Nile.
