Now that summer has officially arrived Alberta Health Services is reminding Albertans to prevent mosquito bites in order to protect themselves against West Nile virus.
Health officials suggest Albertans do the following while enjoying the outdoors to protect themselves from bites
· Wear mosquito repellent with DEET.
· Wear long-sleeved, light-colored shirts and pants.
· Wear a hat.
· Consider staying indoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
Health officials say after someone has been bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus, they can develop West Nile Non-Neurological Syndrome (formerly known as West Nile fever.)
“West Nile virus infection can cause severe illness with debilitating, lifelong effects, particularly in older adults. I urge all Albertans to continue to fight the bite,” said Dr. Gerry Predy, AHS Senior Medical Officer of Health.
AHS says some people who become infected with Non-Neurological Syndrome show no symptoms but the symptoms that could occur can include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, skin rash, swollen glands and headache.
Last year, 102 cases of West Nile virus were confirmed in Canada. There were no cases reported in Alberta.
