PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST WEST NILE THIS SUMMER

The summer of 2007 was a record year in Saskatchewan for human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV). In anticipation of another potentially high-risk year, the Ministry of Health is introducing a new visual tool to help Saskatchewan residents better understand their level of risk for contracting the disease this summer.

The colour-coded risk map allows residents to see their risk of contracting WNV by health region, whether it is low, moderate or high. The map is based on the number of WNV-infected mosquitoes caught in surveillance traps around the province.

However, residents are reminded that they should take personal precautions, even in low-risk areas.

"Although the risk of contracting West Nile varies from year to year and region to region, there is always a risk," Saskatchewan Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Ross Findlater said. "Low risk is not no risk. West Nile Virus is here to stay in Saskatchewan and it does not discriminate. If you can be bitten by a mosquito, you can contract West Nile."

Personal protection measures are the best way to protect yourself against WNV.

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

At this time of year, the risk of being bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus is considered to be low. Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are the mosquitoes most likely to carry the West Nile virus.

April and May were cool, dry months in Saskatchewan, resulting in fewer mosquitoes hatching and delaying development of mosquito populations by approximately two weeks. With more moisture in the first week in June and increasing temperatures, it is anticipated that mosquito activity will increase through the WNV risk season, which is typically the end of June through early September.

The new WNV risk map will be posted every Tuesday until the end of the risk season. Residents can find the risk map as well as information on personal protection measures and illness surveillance results at www.health.gov.sk.ca/west-nile-virus.

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For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: jpetrie@health.gov.sk.ca