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Bug bites can be deadly

Mosquito bites can be itchy and irritating but just one bite from a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus can be deadly.
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Mosquito bites can be itchy and irritating but just one bite from a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus can be deadly.

The blood suckers are most active in July and August so Alberta Health Services is urging residents to take precautions to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

Dr. Digby Horne, medical officer of health for the Central Zone, said there hasn’t been a sign of the rare virus so far this season.

Last year only one case was reported in Alberta out of five in Canada.

In 2007 there were more than 300 cases in Alberta.

Horne said the likely mosquito culprit is the culex tarsalis species but not every mosquito bite means a person will contract the virus.

When a person is infected, 80 per cent of the time there are no symptoms.

In the other 20 per cent, however, individuals can develop symptoms like headaches, fevers, muscle aches and rashes.

One out of 150 infected people can develop the more severe West Nile Neurological Syndrome.

This may result in encephalitis or meningitis. Symptoms related to the condition include tremors, vomiting, nausea, confusion, high fever and swallowing problems.

Digby said residents can ward off the pesky insects by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants particularly during dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes are most active.

Using mosquito repellent with DEET is key.

To reduce the frequency of mosquito breeding areas around homes, residents should turn over bird baths, put screens over rain barrels and ensure eavestroughs are draining properly.

More information on the West Nile virus can be found www.fightthebite.info.

crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com