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AHS advises Albertans to cover up when outdoors to avoid the West Nile Virus

Symptoms can include chills, vomiting and, in rare cases, death
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This 2003 photo provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a female Aedes albopictus mosquito acquiring a blood meal from a human host. (James Gathany/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via AP)

Central Albertans can take simple precautions to reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection

Alberta Health Services (AHS) wants all Albertans to protect themselves against possible infection. “Because some mosquitoes carry West Nile virus, it’s important to avoid being bitten at all,” said Dr. Ifeoma Achebe, Lead Medical Officer of Health, Central Zone.

When outdoors, all Albertans should wear a long-sleeved, light-colored shirt, pants, and a hat. They should also consider staying indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active in the early morning or evening.

Central Albertans should use a Health Canada approved insect repellent products containing DEET or Icaridin.

Infants younger than six months old, should not use an insect repellent with DEET. Instead, babies can be put under a mosquito net when outdoors in a crib or stroller.

Children six months to two years old should only use insect repellent when at high risk of insect bites, and not more than once a day. Children over two years old can use insect repellent up to three times a day. (For more information please visit personal insect repellents at Canada.ca).

The West Nile virus can cause a milder non-neurological syndrome or the more serious West Nile neurological syndrome.

Milder symptoms are discomfort, including fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, skin rash, swollen glands and headache.

For those who develop neurological syndrome, symptoms can be more severe, including tremors, drowsiness, confusion, swallowing problems, high fever, unconsciousness, paralysis and even death.

From 2003 to 2018, 532 cases of West Nile virus were confirmed in Alberta, many of which were acquired here in the province and not travel-related. Of all these cases, 458 were non-neurological syndrome.

Albertans can learn more about West Nile virus and ways to keep safe by visiting www.fightthebite.info or calling Health Link at 811.