Case of West Nile in Alberta
Posted Aug 21, 2012 11:43 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Alberta has its first confirmed human case of West Nile virus.
It’s the first case in the province since 2010.
The woman, under 65 years of age from southern Alberta, developed WNv Non-Neurological Syndrome.
Alberta Health Services is again asking people to protect themselves against mosquito bites and illness that can follow.
“This individual has not travelled outside of Alberta this season, meaning she was bitten by an infected mosquito right here in our province,” says Dr. Strong, AHS Acting South Zone Medical Officer of Health. “This is an unfortunate reminder that some mosquitoes do carry West Nile virus, so it’s simply best to avoid being bitten at all.”
Some tips to follow:
– Wear mosquito repellent with DEET.
– Wear long-sleeved, light-coloured shirts and pants.
– Wear a hat.
– Consider staying indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
“These steps can make it harder for mosquitoes to find you – and, remember: if they can’t find you, they can’t bite you,” says Dr. Strong.
