Canada has its 1st case of West Nile this year. Here’s what to know about the virus

TORONTO — Confirmation of the first human case of West Nile virus acquired in Canada this year arrived just in time for the August long weekend.

The Public Health Agency of Canada said Thursday that an adult in Toronto with no travel history has been infected with the mosquito-borne virus. There had previously been two people with West Nile virus in Canada, but they were infected while travelling outside the country.

Here’s what you need to know about West Nile virus as you head outdoors this weekend.

WHAT IS WEST NILE VIRUS?

The first human case of West Nile virus appeared in Canada in 2002.

The virus was originally identified in the West Nile region of Uganda, said Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist at the University Health Network in Toronto, but was carried to man