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The risk of being bitten by a mosquito with West Nile virus is getting higher in southeast Saskatchewan.
Provincial mosquito program traps around Estevan showed an increase in these West Nile-carrying pests, mainly Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, on July 10.
They’re most active in the two-hour span before sunset and generally dusk and dawn. The Saskatchewan Health Authority said it’s best to avoid the outdoors at these times.
But during that family BBQ or camping trip, the health authority said there are ways to prevent getting hit by the virus — wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible, avoid wearing cologne or perfume and use mosquito repellent containing DEET.
It also said to drain any standing water like pet dishes, wading pools and gutters because the pests require water to complete their life cycle and lay eggs.
To avoid getting mosquitoes in your house, make sure windows are tightly closed and to replace screens with holes in them.
Symptoms of a West Nile virus infection include headaches, fevers and nausea. More severe infections have symptoms of paralysis, comas and tremors.
However, the World Health Organization stated about 80 per cent of people don’t show symptoms.
