Risk of virus highest at this point in summer
Mosquito-borne virus risk high at midsummer
Health officials are reminding residents to break out the mosquito repellent and cover up this long weekend to protect themselves from the skeeters carrying West Nile virus (WNV).
So far this season, two people have tested positive for WNV. A positive test does not necessarily indicate a current WNV infection.
The risk of contracting the infection is usually greatest in late July and in August when the Culex tarsalis, the mosquitoes that carry the virus, are most active and present in higher numbers.
Culex tarsalis are stealth mosquitoes. You might not see them, but their mission is to put the bite on you — particularly between dusk and dawn.
To gear up in the fight against Culex tarsalis, apply insect repellent and wear light-coloured, loosefitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
It’s important yards are cleared of items that can collect water.
Bird baths and eavestroughs should be regularly emptied and cleaned, and rain barrels covered with mosquito screen or tightly sealed around the downspout.
Keep bushes, shrubs and lawns clean of overgrowth and debris and ensure door and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes.
Most people who are infected with WNV experience no symptoms and do not get sick.
Approximately 20 per cent of those infected with WNV will develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
Most people with this type of the disease recover completely. Fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
Less than one per cent of people infected with WNV will develop a more serious illness called WNV neuroinvasive disease.
Symptoms can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures or paralysis.