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West Nile risk increases ahead of long weekend

Aug 2, 2018 | 2:00 PM

Saskatchewan residents planning trips to the lake this long weekend may want to stock up on mosquito spray as the risk for West Nile virus reaches its highest point of the year. 

Late July and August are when the mosquitoes that carry the virus (Culex tarsalis) are most active and are present in higher numbers, especially in southern Saskatchewan where pools of the mosquitoes have been found for the past two weeks. According to the province’s chief medical health officer, most people who become infected with the virus experience no symptoms or have mild illness.

“A small number of people develop a more serious illness called West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease,” Dr. Saqib Shahab said in a news release. “If you develop serious symptoms like a persistent fever, confusion, neck stiffness, or an unusually severe headache, seek medical attention immediately.”

While the overall threat for West Nile may be low in central and northern areas of the province, all residents were still encouraged by the Saskatchewan Health Authority to take precautions against getting bitten such as using mosquito repellent, covering up when working outdoors, or reducing the time spent outside in the mornings and early evenings when mosquitoes are most likely to bite. Residents were also encouraged to maintain door and window screens so they fit tightly and are free of holes.