West Nile Virus can take a bite out of your summer

In 2007, Heather Vint became one of the record breaking 320 cases of West Nile Virus in Alberta.

"I had awful body aches and pains that didn't let up. I felt light-headed and didn't have the energy to do anything - I was even too tired to get ready to do anything. I couldn't eat and had a hard time drinking. I didn't even have the energy to sit in a vehicle. The aches and pains lasted a long time - getting West Nile virus basically took about six months from my life."

As we head into the lazy days of summer the pace often slows as vacation season begins. It's a time for napping in a hammock or floating on the lake but one thing we can't get lazy about is our protection against West Nile.

The severity of the West Nile season is unpredictable from year to year and although there was just one confirmed case in Alberta in 2008, prevention and protection measures are always important to help fight the bite.

Prevention

• The best way to keep mosquitoes away is to lower the mosquito population around your home. Mosquitoes don't travel far. Stop them from hatching near your home.
• Walk around your yard and remove any unnecessary containers that could collect rainwater. Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in the smallest of puddles.
• Regularly drain standing water from items like saucers under flower pots, garbage cans, etc.
• Remove or cover unused items such as old tires that have a tendency to collect water.
• Change the water in wading pools, bird baths, pet bowls and livestock watering tanks twice a week.
• Cover rain barrels with screens.
• Clean out eaves troughs regularly to prevent clogs that can trap water.
• Avoid excessive lawn watering.

Protection

• Wear light colours, loose-fitting clothing and long-sleeved shirts, pants and a hat when outdoors.
• Try to avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Prevent mosquitoes from entering your home by ensuring door and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes.
• Consider using a mosquito repellent containing DEET on exposed skin; apply it to clothing as well, because mosquitoes may bite through fabric.
• Repellent does not have to be applied heavily to be effective - a light coating will do.
• For adults and older adolescents, repellents containing 30 per cent DEET provide six hours of protection time.
• On children two to 12, use a repellent with 10 per cent DEET or lower up to three times a day.
• On children under two, use a repellent with 5-10 per cent DEET once a day.
• DO NOT use DEET on infants under six months. Instead, place mosquito netting over infant carriers when outdoors.
• Wash skin with soap and water when protection is no longer needed.

Sunscreen should not be applied over insect repellent. Health Canada recommends applying sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before exposure to the sun then applying insect repellent containing DEET 30 minutes after the sunscreen.

Symptoms of West Nile virus vary but generally include fatigue, headache, fever, body aches and possibly a rash. A very small number of infected individuals can experience neurologic symptoms including worsening fever and headache, neck stiffness, disorientation, numbness, muscle weakness or tremors; this is known as West Nile Neurological Syndrome.

If you require more information about West Nile virus, call Health Link Alberta or visit www.fightthebite.info.

Health Link Alberta
Toll-free 1-866-408-LINK (5465)
Edmonton: 780-408-LINK (5465
Calgary: 403-943-LINK