Regional Council to hear updates on West Nile Virus, Lyme disease in Waterloo Region
Posted May 9, 2023 05:00:27 AM.
Last Updated May 8, 2023 04:41:41 PM.
An update regarding vector-borne diseases in Waterloo Region is being presented at a regional council meeting Tuesday.
The report focuses on West Nile Virus and Lyme disease.
Key points from the document include that the risk of acquiring either of those diseases in Waterloo Region is low.
The report states that in the tri-cities in 2022, there was one human case of the West Nile Virus, which was not locally acquired and was part of a total 29 cases in Ontario throughout the year.
The number of West Nile Virus cases in the region has remained consistent with provincial trends over the last five years, according to the report.
Waterloo Region saw 21 cases of Lyme disease that were reported to Public Health in 2022. Four of those cases were locally acquired. Though the number is considered low, Lyme disease is on the rise in Ontario and is endemic in other regions, the report says.
“Public Health will continue to conduct human case and vector surveillance, vector control, and provide public education on personal protective measures in 2023,” the document reads. “These measures are in alignment with the requirements of the Ontario Public Health Standards.”
The region’s 2023 Public Health operating budget includes $252,000 for the Vector-Borne Disease program, a cost shared by the Ministry of Health and the Region of Waterloo.
Members of the Health Protection and Investigation team prepared the report and will present it at 12:30 to the Community and Health Services Committee.
