The Windsor Essex County Health Unit says a third person has died as a result of the West Nile virus.
Two other deaths were reported last week. The health unit says two of the deaths were adults who lived in Windsor and the third lived in Essex County.
“West Nile virus continues to be a concern for local residents as the temperatures in our region are expected to remain mild for the next several weeks. Residents are reminded to take measures to protect themselves and their families from being bitten by mosquitoes,” says Dr. Wajid Ahmed, acting medical officer of health for the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
Residents are advised to remove all standing water from their property and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites when outside between dawn and dusk.
To date, 29 mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile virus throughout Windsor and Essex County. Fifteen confirmed cases and one probable case of infection have been reported to the health unit.
Many people who are infected never exhibit signs or symptoms but the virus can cause a spectrum of illnesses. These range from flu-like symptoms to severe encephalitis-inflammation of the brain.