FIRST HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS REPORTED IN SASKATCHEWAN

The first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Saskatchewan has been confirmed in the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region.

"This is a reminder that even though the number of Culex tarsalis mosquitos caught in surveillance traps in Saskatchewan is low compared to this same time in 2007, and the number of human cases have been very low so far, there is still a risk if we get warmer night-time temperatures over the next few weeks," Acting Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Johnmark Opondo said. "We would like people to continue to take preventive measures throughout the summer."

Protect yourself against WNV this summer by using personal protection measures:

• Wear insect repellent containing DEET;
• Wear protective clothing;
• Reduce your time spent outdoors at dawn and at dusk;
• Reduce mosquito habitat where you live, play and work.

Typically, the risk of contracting WNV in Saskatchewan increases through July, peaking in August. In 2007, Saskatchewan had the highest number of human cases in Canada, with 1,456 human cases including 113 cases of the severe West Nile Neurological Syndrome.

Saskatchewan residents are encouraged to be aware of the risk level in their region by checking the Ministry of Health's West Nile Virus risk map, updated every Tuesday at www.health.gov.sk.ca/west-nile-virus.

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For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 787-4083