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Vector-Borne Diseases
What is a vector-borne disease?
Vector-borne diseases are illnesses that are spread through the bite of an infected tick or mosquito.
The two most common vector-borne diseases in this area are Lyme disease and West Nile Virus. If traveling within Canada or abroad there may be risks for other types of vector-borne diseases.
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West Nile Disease
West Nile virus is spread to humans by mosquito bites. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not show any symptoms. Others may have headache, body ache, fever, nausea, vomiting and rash. Less than 1% of people who are infected develop serious or life-threatening symptoms. Learn more about West Nile virus and how to reduce your risk from Ontario Health.
West Nile Virus | HealthUnit Haldimand-Norfolk (hnhu.org)
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that is spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, also known as a deer tick. The Government of Ontario provides more information on Lyme disease and how to identify a blacklegged tick.