West Nile Risk Increased

The risk of gettting stung by a disease-carrying mosquito in southern Saskatchewan is being raised from low to moderate, after officials discovered culex tarsalis mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus around Estevan on July 11th. 

They also had one person test positive for the disease, though authorities were not able to determine if the person was infected this year or last year. 

The moderate zone of the West Nile surveillance map includes the southwest, and more specifically the Cypress Health Region.

Heath department staff rate only the northern half of Saskatchewan as minimal, with the area directly south listed at low risk, where it was previously minimal. 

Regardless of the West Nile virus risk level for your area, remember there is no such thing as "risk-free". If you get bitten by an infected mosquito, you can contract West Nile or other mosquito-borne viruses.

Dr. David Torr, Consulting Medical Health Officer with the Cypress Health Region commented on the issue.

"It's very key that people get aware, this typically is the peak time for the West Nile season. This is the time when we see the most culex tarsalis and also when we see the most culex tarsalis that are carrying the virus."

Take precautions when you are out in areas where mosquitoes are present. Mosquitoes are most active in the evening and throughout the night. Protect yourself by covering up and wearing repellents or reducing the amount of time spent outdoors. 

West Nile virus symptoms:

Most people who have been infected experience no symptoms and do not get sick.

Approximately 20 per cent of people who become infected will develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile Virus disease recover completely, although fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.

Less than 1 per cent of people infected will develop a more serious illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). This serious type of illness is called West Nile Virus neuroinvasive disease. Symptoms of WNV neuroinvasive disease can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures or paralysis.

Recovery from severe disease may take several weeks or months. Some of the neurologic effects may be permanent. About 10 percent of people who develop neurologic infection due to WNV will die.

There is no specific treatment, medication or cure for WNV disease. Serious cases are treated with supportive therapies to ease symptoms and prevent secondary infections. Supportive therapies include hospitalization, intravenous (IV) fluids, airway management, respiratory support and nursing care. Physical or occupational therapy may be needed to help with long-term effects.

Currently there is no human vaccine available to prevent WNV infection.

A total of 3.8 per-cent of locations where Health Department staff caught and tested mosquitoes had mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus during the week of July 22nd.