Albertans urged to protect themselves against West Nile

Mosquito bites are more than an irritating consequence of spending time outdoors during the summer: they can make you sick. Alberta Health Services encourages Albertans to protect themselves against West Nile virus infection.

"When mosquitoes begin to appear, the risk of being stung increases," said Dr. Christine Kennedy, Medical Officer of Health for the Calgary area. "And the risk of being bitten increases people's chances of getting the bite and transmitting the West Nile virus to the mosquito."

Although Mr. Kennedy has stated that not all mosquitoes carry the virus, it is important for Albertans to avoid being stung to reduce the risk of infection. Whenever residents plan to spend time outdoors, she said, there are measures that can help prevent bites and protect Albertans from the virus.

Dressing with light clothing – pants, long-sleeved shirt and hat – can deter mosquitoes from getting stung, according to Kennedy. In addition, she stated that Albertans should use an approved insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin and might consider limiting time spent outdoors.

"Remember to stay indoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are the most active, they are hungry and they are ready to bite you", a- she declared. "For people who are reluctant to use an insect repellent for young children, it is very important to keep their skin covered and to keep them safe from mosquitoes at this time of day."

According to Kennedy, these suggestions will make Albertans less visible to parasites – and she said, "If mosquitoes can not find you, they can not bite you."

Only 532 cases of West Nile virus were confirmed in Alberta between 2003 and 2018, but Kennedy said the virus may be difficult to identify for patients because of its generalized symptoms. Most cases of West Nile are accompanied by non-neurological symptoms, including fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, rash, swollen glands, and headache.

"It's hard to watch – she shares many symptoms with many other viruses and bacteria," she said. "But non-neurological cases make up the vast majority, 458 of the 532 cases."

Neurological symptoms are more serious and potentially life-threatening, such as tremors, drowsiness, confusion, swallowing problems, high fever, loss of consciousness, paralysis and death.

While Albertans may be more concerned about the risk of West Nile when traveling to other countries, Kennedy explained that most cases in the province in the last 15 years Years were not related to a trip, the infection being contracted locally.

"We have not had a confirmed case of West Nile virus in Alberta in 2019 yet," she said. "But it's hard to say if this is because people are taking the proper precautions to get bitten by mosquitoes, or if there are just fewer viruses circulating in the mosquito population this year."

To learn more about West Nile Virus and how to reduce your risk, visit fightthebite.info or call Health Link at 811.

"Health Link is a very good source of information," she said, "especially if a person has symptoms or if a loved one is suffering from it and wants an opinion on whether or not no need for additional medical care.