Albertans reminded to take West Nile virus precautions

With temperatures warming and mosquitoes coming out, Alberta Health Services is once again reminding the public about the threat of West Nile virus.

Alberta saw seven cases of the virus last year compared with five in 2016. Between 2003 and 2017, a total of 514 cases were reported in the province.

Southern Alberta consistently reports the most cases since West Nile was first found in the province.

“With exposure to mosquitoes comes risk of West Nile virus,” said Dr. Jason Cabaj, medical officer of health for the Calgary zone.

“Because some mosquitoes carry West Nile virus, it’s important to avoid being bitten at all.”

The first human case of West Nile virus infection in Canada was reported in Ontario in 2002. Since then, cases have risen and dropped, sometimes sharply, in a line similar to the cases reported in Alberta.

Alberta Health Services recommends wearing a long-sleeved, light-coloured shirt, pants and a hat, and using insect repellent with DEET. They also say you should consider staying indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Minor, non-neurological symptoms include fever, chills, nausea and fatigue, while serious, neurological symptoms include tremors, drowsiness, unconsciousness, paralysis and even death.