Released on June 28, 2013
Saskatchewan residents are advised to take precautions against West Nile Virus, as weather warms up and numbers of the Culex tarsalis mosquitoes that can carry the virus increase.
The risk of West Nile Virus typically peaks from mid-July through August. The risk varies from year to year; it depends largely on the temperature and the amount of virus present in birds.
“Culex tarsalis are a hot weather mosquito; they feed more often and lay more eggs when the temperature rises,” Provincial West Nile Virus Co-ordinator Phil Curry said. “Culex tarsalis are also more active at night. If nights are warm, people tend to spend more time outside, so that also increases the risk.”
You can reduce your risk of contracting West Nile Virus by:
- using insect repellent containing DEET;
- wearing protective clothing;
- reducing time outdoors between dusk and dawn;
- regularly cleaning and emptying containers that can collect water such as bird baths and eavestroughs;
- 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;
- keeping screens on windows and doors in good repair; and
- keeping bushes, shrubs and lawns clear of overgrowth and debris.
In 2012, West Nile Virus was detected in four people in Saskatchewan. None were hospitalized as a result.
Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus will experience either no symptoms or only mild illness such as fever, headaches and body aches. However, West Nile Virus does carry a small risk of serious neurological illness like inflammation of the brain and death. Health officials warn people to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as unusually severe headaches, persistent high fever or confusion.
No one has died as a result of West Nile Virus in Saskatchewan since 2007, when there were six deaths recorded. More than 1,450 people contracted West Nile Virus that year, including 113 severe neurological cases.
Updated surveillance results, risk maps and weekly West Nile and Culex reports are posted every Friday morning on the Ministry of Health's website at www.health.gov.sk.ca/west-nile-virus.
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 at www.health.gov.sk.ca/healthline-online.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-3594