Saskatchewan's first West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes of 2010 have been discovered in the Estevan area.According to a provincial government new release, which came out Friday, Culex tarsalis mosquitoes that were infected with the virus were found last week in the surveillance traps that are located outside of the city.The announcement came just hours after the Sun Country Health Region issued a notice to the public that the number of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes found in the area continues to grow and that the risk of contracting the West Nile Virus is increasing.In light of both warnings, the government is urging the public to take protective measures against mosquitoes"We strongly encourage people to take personal precautions as the risk of exposure to West Nile Virus is increasing and people are spending more time outdoors," Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. "Residents can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites by using appropriate insect repellent, wearing protective clothing when outdoors and reducing the amount of time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn." Mid July through August is typically the highest risk period for West Nile Virus due to a combination of factors including the increasing numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, warmer weather, and people spending more time outdoors. Shahab added that the majority of people who have been infected with West Nile Virus will have no symptoms or only mild illness such as fever, headaches and body aches. However, the virus can result in serious neurological illness such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) which can have long-term complications and even cause death. Estevan, and much of southeast Saskatchewan, has long been a hot bed for West Nile activity and with the region going through one of the wettest years on record, health officials are concerned about the possible spread of the virus.Dr. Shauna Hudson, the chief medical health officer for Sun Country, noted that in the past week the number of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes caught in the region's mosquito surveillance traps increased significantly and are beginning to peak. In Estevan there were over 2,500 Culex tarsalis mosquitoes per night in the traps and in Weyburn there were over 400 per night. "People who work outside and families who are out camping and enjoying our parks and lakes need to take make sure to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, especially at dusk and dawn."To decrease the risk of West Nile virus infection, Hudson is advising residents to take precautions to reduce exposure to the virus throughout the rest of the summer.As always Hudson recommends the follow the "FIVE Ds" to prevent infections. First and foremost, people should wear a good insect repellant with DEET. People should also drain standing water as mosquitoes require water to complete their life cycle. Hudson also advisded against going out during dusk and dawn since the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active at dawn and dusk and also in the early evening. They are especially active for two hours after sunset. Dressing appropriately is also important. Wear long sleeves and long pants (wear light-weight clothing to minimize the potential for heat-induced illnesses). Mosquitoes may also be more attracted to individuals wearing perfumes and colognes. Around the home, there are steps to make sure it is mosquito-proof. Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens and repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
