SASKATCHEWAN IS ENTERING ITS HIGHEST RISK PERIOD FOR WEST NILE VIRUS

As Saskatchewan enters the highest risk period for West Nile Virus, the province's Chief Medical Health Officer is urging residents to protect themselves and avoid mosquito bites.

"People need to use appropriate mosquito repellent, wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, and make sure doors and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes," Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Ross Findlater said. "Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the species that carries West Nile Virus, are most active in the early morning and evening so people need to be extra vigilant at this time of day."

Recent hot weather conditions have been optimal for the development of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes. Saskatchewan should see an increase in numbers of positive pools and infection rates in mosquitoes and possible human cases over the next several weeks.

A significant number of West Nile Virus infected mosquitoes have been found in mosquito traps in the city of Estevan. Spraying to reduce the risk of West Nile Virus will take place Monday, August 7th, weather conditions permitting.

"The purpose of spraying is to decrease the risk of West Nile Virus in the city of Estevan at a time when the risk of human disease is high and appears to be increasing," Findlater said. "This does not replace the need to use personal protective measures, and is a short term measure to deal with a very specific risk in Estevan."

Based on current mosquito surveillance, spraying is not being considered in other communities at this time. Health officials will however, continue to monitor the situation across the province to assess risks and to initiate follow-up action as appropriate.

West Nile Virus information, including the latest surveillance results are available on Saskatchewan Health's website http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/rr_wnv_testresults.html.

NOTE TO EDITORS: SASKATCHEWAN'S CHIEF MEDICAL HEALTH OFFICER DR. FINDLATER AND WEST NILE VIRUS COORDINATOR PHIL CURRY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT TODAY, AUGUST 4TH, 10:00 A.M. AT THE T.C. DOUGLAS BUILDING, 3475 ALBERT STREET, REGINA.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kimberly Kratzig Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-2743