Hamilton has confirmed its first human case of West Nile this year.

The discovery, announced in a news release Monday, spurred Medical Officer of Health Dr. Elizabeth Richardson to move the city’s West Nile risk level from “moderate” to “high.”

Hamilton public health is reminding residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites and get rid of standing water on their properties to prevent breeding of the virus-carrying insects.

About 80 per cent of people infected with West Nile show no symptoms, according to public health. Others can develop more severe illnesses, including inflammation of the brain.

Since 2019, 16 Hamilton residents have tested positive for the virus, city data shows.

To protect yourself, public health recommends:

using a mosquito repellent with DEET or Icar

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