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The spring floods and higher water levels in many areas of the interior health region have resulted in an increase in stagnant water and hatching. more mosquitoes However, there are steps you can take to reduce or eliminate stagnant water on your property, which will decrease the number of mosquitoes.
Some mosquitoes in Canada can transmit West Nile virus to humans. Mosquitoes transmit West Nile virus to infected corvid birds (ravens, crows, magpies and jays) by mosquito bites
The risk of contracting West Nile virus is higher during the warm months of late July to August. It was first detected in BC in southern Okanagan during the summer of 2009. Since then, there have been five human cases, including one case in the south of 39; Okanagan last year. The virus was also detected last year in four horses in the Kootenay region, confirming the presence of the virus. Several parts of Canada and the United States continue to report the activity of West Nile virus. The risk of falling seriously ill with West Nile virus infection is low for most people. However, people over 50 and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk. There are things that everyone can do at home and on the road to reduce the risk of infection.
Any activity that prevents mosquitoes from biting or breeding can help reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection. Prevent mosquito breeding around your house. It does not take much time or water for mosquitoes to grow from eggs to adults. Anything that can hold water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Identify and eliminate potential breeding areas on your property – empty the saucers under the flower pots; change the water in the bird baths twice a week; unclog the gutters; drain tarps, tires and other debris where rainwater can accumulate; and install a pump in ornamental ponds or store them with fish. Stagnant residential pools can be a major source of mosquitoes and must be maintained regularly to prevent the growth of mosquitoes.
Install mosquito nets on the windows. The screens will help prevent mosquitoes from getting inside. Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn. This is the time of day when mosquitoes most carriers of the virus are the most active.
Wear protective clothing. If you are in an area with lots of mosquitoes, wear loose clothing, light colored clothing, loose pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
Use a mosquito repellent. Apply a mosquito repellent to the exposed areas of the skin. Check the product label for instructions on proper use. DEET repellents are safe for those over the age of six months when they are used according to the instructions on the label. Consult the HealthLinkBC file on DEET (http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile96.stm) for instructions on how often to apply the repellent. Products without DEET (such as those containing icardin, p-menthane-3 oil, 8-diol / lemon-eucalyptus, or soybean oil) are also available, but may not provide long-lasting protection
closely with BC The Center for Disease Control and Canadian Blood Services monitor the activity of West Nile virus. Surveillance includes control of the blood supply and reporting of human and animal cases.
• Inner Health – Mosquito and West Nile Virus: http://www.interiorhealth.ca/ YourEnvironment/CommunicableDiseaseControl/Pages/Mosquitos.aspx
• HealthLinkBC – Insect Repellent and DEET: http: // www. healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile96.stm
• BC Center for Disease Control – West Nile Virus Information: http: //www.bccdc. ca / info-health / disease-conditions / west-virus-nile-wnv facebook.com/InteriorHealth
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