The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The first human case of West Nile virus infection this year has been identified in Manitoba. The individual, a Winnipeg resident in his sixties, is currently in hospital. The individual has been reported to Health Canada as a probable case of West Nile neurological syndrome. Although a resident of Winnipeg, the individual is known to also have spent time in the area of the Rural Municipality of St. Clements during the period of probable exposure. Usually, people infected by West Nile virus have no symptoms and do not become ill. Of those who do become ill, most will develop West Nile fever, an illness with symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue and body aches. Less frequently, the virus can cause more serious illness (West Nile neurological syndrome) including encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. Encephalitis can have serious complications. These complications may include weakness, paralysis, confusion, coma and death and are more likely to occur among older adults and people with chronic diseases and weakened immune systems. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for West Nile virus. Milder symptoms of West Nile fever usually improve without medical care. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms (such as persistent high fever, muscle weakness, headache) should seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and care.
