After a long career of 36 years at the Toronto Public Library, Brent Cehan had high hopes for his retirement, looking forward to travel and quality time with loved ones. Unfortunately, his retirement dreams were cut short when he became one of the nine Canadians who succumbed to the West Nile virus last year.
Andrea Carrie, Cehan’s sister, shared that his retirement celebration involved outdoor activities with friends, such as patio visits and walks in High Park, which ultimately exposed him to the virus. Carrie expressed deep sadness over the loss, highlighting how they were eagerly anticipating his retirement.
Carrie aims to raise awareness among Canadians about the dangers of the West Nile virus, urging people to take precautions to prevent further casualties. Two months before Cehan’s passing, Toronto Public Health issued a statement confirming the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes.
The virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites after the insects feed on infected birds. Symptoms typically manifest within two to 15 days, with about 20% of individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes a rash. Severe cases can affect the central nervous system, leading to critical complications.
Despite the lack of specific medication or vaccines for the virus, it poses a higher risk to men, individuals over 50, and those with weakened immune systems. Cehan’s illness began with chills, progressing to vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme fatigue, initially mistaken for a summer flu.
Carrie recounted the distressing journey of Cehan’s illness, from spine pain to confusion and eventual hospitalization. Tests revealed that he had meningitis with encephalitis caused by the West Nile virus, exacerbated by his age and medical history. Carrie was shocked to learn of other ICU patients suffering from similar complications.
According to Unity Health, there were 78 confirmed and probable human cases of West Nile virus infection reported last year, with no cases in Toronto in 2026. The Public Health Agency of Canada recorded a total of 281 clinical cases, 14 asymptomatic cases, and nine deaths in 2025, with most cases concentrated in Ontario and Quebec.
Public health agencies conduct surveillance during the mosquito season, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and taking preventive measures. Recommendations include wearing protective clothing, using approved insect repellent, and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds on properties.
Carrie stressed the growing risk of disease-carrying mosquitoes due to climate change, advocating for public awareness and safety measures. She hopes that her brother’s tragic death serves as a cautionary tale to prevent similar losses in the future.