A Toronto man has been diagnosed West Nile Virus -- the first human case reported in the city this year.
The 36-year-old was hospitalized but officials say he is now recovering at home from the illness.
Since West Nile was first reported in Toronto in 2002, the number of individual diagnosis has been steadily declining.
Last year there was one human case reported in Toronto. The last person who died in Toronto from West Nile Virus was in 2005.
"Although the number of human cases has been declining steadily in the past few years, it is still important to take precautions," said Dr. Herveen Sachdeva, Associate Medical Officer of Health. "Most human cases of West Nile Virus are contracted at this time of year."
Here are some measures you can take to protect yourself:
- Use a mosquito repellant containing DEET
- Wear light-coloured clothing and cover up in areas where mosquitoes are present
- Remove standing water around your home
- Be especially careful at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active
- Repair any holes in door and window screen
