FIRST HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS DETECTED IN SASKATCHEWAN

The first human case of West Nile Virus infection this season has been reported in Saskatchewan. The case occurred in an individual from Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region who experienced no symptoms. The infection was detected by Canadian Blood Services when the individual was donating blood.

The recent hot, humid conditions throughout much of Saskatchewan have created the ideal conditions for the development of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the carrier of West Nile Virus.

"Surveillance results show that Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are increasing slightly in some traps in southern Saskatchewan," Provincial West Nile Virus Co-ordinator Phil Curry said. "We caution the public that these mosquitoes will continue to be active over the next few weeks and some could potentially be infected with the virus."

People are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against mosquitoes bites, especially at dusk and dawn when Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are most active.

"If you're bitten by a West Nile Virus-infected mosquito, there is a small risk of serious neurological illness like inflammation of the brain and, in rare cases, death," Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. "People who develop severe symptoms such as unusually severe headaches or persistent high fever or confusion, need to seek medical attention immediately."

Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus will experience either no symptoms or only mild illness such as fever, headaches and body aches.

To reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile Virus, the following precautions are recommended:

• using insect repellent containing DEET;
• wearing protective clothing;
• reducing time outdoors between dusk and dawn;
• regularly cleaning and emptying containers that can collect water such as bird baths and eavestroughs;
• clearing yards of old tires and other items that can collect water; 
• ensuring rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening or are tightly sealed around the downspout; 
• keeping screens on windows and doors in good repair; and
• keeping bushes, shrubs and lawns clear of overgrowth and debris.

Updated Surveillance Results, Risk Maps and Weekly West Nile and Culex Reports are posted every Friday on the Ministry of Health's website at http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/west-nile-virus. Additional information on protective measures and the West Nile Virus (symptoms, when to seek help) are available at Healthline Online www.health.gov.sk.ca/healthline-online.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca