Submitted by Armen Hareyan on Aug 14th, 2007
West Nile Virus
The number of human cases of West Nile Virus is rising in Saskatoon Health Region, with six human cases now reported in the Health Region and a total of 17 human cases reported across the province. The number of mosquito pools testing positive for WNV has also increased.
As the August long weekend approaches and many residents and visitors are enjoying the warm weather, Saskatoon Health Region (SHR) and the City of Saskatoon are strongly advising people to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
"We are entering the highest seasonal risk time period, and warm humid conditions are hastening the development of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the vector that spreads West Nile," says Dr. Johnmark Opondo, Deputy Medical Health Officer for the Health Region.
The mosquito that spreads the virus, the Culex tarsalis mosquito, is not the same 'pesky' nuisance mosquito people experience during the summer months. "This mosquito is tricky " it's less visible and obvious, it comes out mostly at dusk and typically bites on the ankles, so be aware that although you may not see or hear this mosquito, it's there," cautions Dr. Opondo.
The risk of WNV transmission is high. The following personal protective measures are highly recommended:
* Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts.
* Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when the mosquitoes are most likely to bite.
* Use mosquito nets over play pens, strollers, and carriages for infants.
* Keep mosquitoes from entering your homes by using screened windows and doors. Keep screens in good repair.
To help decrease the number of mosquitoes and risk in your yard, practice the following:
* Keep grass cut short.
* Monitor your yard and eliminate all standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs, such as in tires, flower pots, paddling pools, and bird baths.
* Unplug clogged eavestroughs, a typical environment in which the mosquitoes can breed.
Health Canada recommends the use of repellents containing concentrations of DEET not to exceed 30 per cent for adults or 10 per cent for children two to twelve years of age. No more than one application of 10 per cent DEET per day is recommended for infants aged six months to two years old. Do not use DEET on children under 6 months old.
Some non-DEET repellents have been shown to provide protection for a period of time similar to a product with a low concentration of DEET (4.75 per cent). Use of these products is recommended instead of DEET for people with: allergic skin reactions to products containing DEET; irritated, sunburned, bruised, or broken skin; or skin conditions such as skin cancer, dermatitis, acne, eczema or psoriasis.
Source:
Saskatoon Health Region 