Brent Cehan recently retired after a long career at the Toronto Public Library, looking forward to traveling and spending time with loved ones. Tragically, Cehan was among nine Canadians who lost their lives to West Nile virus last year.
Cehan’s sister, Andrea Carrie, shared that her brother’s retirement plans were cut short due to the virus. She hopes that by sharing his story, more Canadians will become aware of the risks, take necessary precautions, and potentially prevent further tragedies.
Two months before Cehan’s passing, Toronto Public Health announced the first mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus in the year. The virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites after feeding on infected birds. Symptoms can manifest within two to 15 days, with around 20% of infected individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes a rash.
In rare instances, the virus can affect the central nervous system, leading to severe complications that require immediate medical attention. Individuals at higher risk for severe illness include men, those over 50, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available for West Nile virus.
Carrie recounted her brother’s sudden illness, which progressed rapidly, leading to his hospitalization and eventual passing. Tests conducted before his death revealed that Cehan had meningitis with encephalitis caused by the West Nile virus. The attending physician noted the rarity of such severe cases, as only one percent of infected individuals become critically ill.
Public Health Agency of Canada reported a total of 281 clinical cases, 14 asymptomatic cases, and nine deaths due to West Nile virus in 2025. Although no human cases have been reported in Toronto so far in 2026, surveillance and preventive measures remain crucial, especially with the increasing risk posed by a warming climate.
Health authorities recommend protective measures such as wearing appropriate clothing, using approved insect repellents, avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours, ensuring tight-fitting screens on windows and doors, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
Carrie emphasized the importance of public awareness and safety measures in light of the growing risks associated with disease-carrying mosquitoes. She hopes that sharing her brother’s story will prevent similar tragedies and encourage individuals to stay informed and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health.
Aiming to raise awareness on the impacts of West Nile virus and the importance of preventive actions, Carrie urges Canadians to prioritize their health and well-being, especially during the mosquito season.