The Ministry of Health is reminding Saskatchewan residents to take protective measures against mosquitoes, as the risk of exposure to West Nile Virus is beginning to increase.
There has been an increase in the number of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes in southern Saskatchewan over the last two weeks.
"The next two weeks will be critical in terms of assessing the West Nile Virus risk for the rest of the season," Provincial West Nile Virus Co-ordinator Phil Curry said. "We will continue to monitor mosquito activity throughout the summer and notify media and the public about the risk and personal protective measures."
Mid July through August is typically the highest risk period for West Nile Virus due to a combination of factors: increasing numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, warmer weather and people spending more time outdoors.
"We strongly encourage people to take personal protective measures. Anyone who is bitten by an infected mosquito may get the West Nile Virus. While most people who become infected with the virus experience mild or no symptoms, there is always a small percentage of severe cases," Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. "Although West Nile has been in the province for a number of years, residents should not assume that they are immune to the virus."
The majority of people who have been infected with West Nile Virus will have no symptoms or only mild illness such as fever, headaches and body aches. However, the virus can result in serious neurological illness such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) which can have long-term complications and even cause death.
Residents can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites by using appropriate insect repellent; wearing protective clothing when outdoors; reducing the amount of time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn; and maintaining door and window screens so they fit tightly and are free of holes.
The ministry is also urging people to reduce mosquito friendly areas around their homes by regularly cleaning and empty containers that can collect water such as bird baths and eaves troughs; clearing yards of old tires and other items that can collect water; ensuring rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening or are tightly sealed around the downspout; and keeping bushes, shrubs and lawns clear of overgrowth and debris.
Updated Surveillance Results, Risk Maps and Weekly West Nile and Culex Reports are posted every Friday on the Ministry of Health's website.Additional information on protective measures and the West Nile Virus (symptoms, when to seek help) are available on the Ministry of Health's website and Healthline Online.
