By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

AHS Outlines How to Protect Yourself from West Nile Virus

Jul 6, 2016 | 11:31 AM

ALBERTA – Despite the cool weather coming in the forecast, all the heat we have had this spring and summer has increased the threat of West Nile virus for our region.

Doctor Karin Goodison, Medical Officer of Health in South Zone, explained that should the high temperatures return, the type of mosquito that carries the virus will likely start appearing next month.

Goodison noted that there are no specific treatments available – only supportive ones – meaning it’s important to avoid getting bitten in the first place.

“You can make your environment less likely to be attractive to mosquitos and a hatching area by reducing standing water, keeping your grass trimmed, not over-watering your lawn,” stated Goodison. “The mosquitos lay their eggs in the water, so if you avoid standing water that’s sitting for longer than seven days, you’ll avoid having mosquitos breeding in your backyard.”

She continued by saying you should avoid being outside at dawn and dusk if possible, and if not, there are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself.

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“If you’re going outside, you want to wear light coloured, long-sleeved clothing, so shirts and pants, and use an insect repellent with DEET,” Goodison says. “If you are going out when it’s sunny, put your sunscreen on first, wait 20-minutes and then apply the insect repellent so both are effective.”

The virus comes in two forms, West Nile Non-Neurological Syndrome and the more serious West Nile Neurological Syndrome.

Non-Neurological can include a fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, skin rash, swollen glands and a headache.

Symptoms can be much worse for the neurological form of the virus, and include tremors, drowsiness, confusion, trouble swallowing, high fever, unconsciousness, paralysis and even death.

If you think you have West Nile virus, Goodison says you should seek medical care right away to get support and rule out other potential causes for you symptoms.

For more information on the virus and how you can protect yourself, visit www.fightthebite.info or call Health Link at 811.