Alberta Health Services officials are urging precautions, as three more cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed.
In a press release, AHS said three more human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed – scattered throughout the province.
The news comes one week after officials said a woman, under the age of 65 in southern Alberta had been found to have it.
Now, three more women – also under the age of 65, from the Calgary area, central Alberta and northern Alberta are confirmed patients.
After being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus, humans can develop one of two versions of the illness, West Nile Non-Neurological Syndrome (formerly known as West Nile fever) or the more serious West Nile Neurological Syndrome.
Those with the Non-Neurological Syndrome can experience fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, skin rash, swollen glands, and headache.
The Neurological Syndrome usually affects a smaller number of people, usually the elderly or those with weakened immune systems – symptoms include tremors, drowsiness, confusion, swallowing problems, high fever, unconsciousness, paralysis and even death.
Two of the women have contracted the less-serious Non-Neurological Syndrome, however the patient from central Alberta has been found to have the Neurological form of the illness; however it’s not clear where she contracted the syndrome.
Officials said the other two patients caught the virus outside of Alberta.
As a result, AHS is urging Albertans to take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites – such as using a repellant with DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants in light colours and avoid going outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitos are most active.
More information on West Nile Virus can be found online.
AHS said officials will update the West Nile Virus situation in Alberta every week.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, as of August 18, 71 cases of the West Nile Virus infection were reported in Canada this year – last year, 102 cases were documented.
