West Nile Virus raises concern among people.
The threat of the West Nile Virus continues as the disease-carrying mosquitoes are swarming in many places. Officials are doing their best to deal with this problem, but people are urged to be careful until the end of summer when temperatures drop off.
This species is known as Culex tarsalis and scientists regard these insects as the ones that usually carry the disease. The warm weather provides the ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed. They are most active in late July and the middle of August as temperatures go to the highest peak.
Experts advise people to check their skin always after going out to make sure that they were not bitten by a mosquito. West Nile Virus is a tricky disease because symptoms do not manifest immediately but between 2 and 15 days after the bite.
Based on the statistics, most people are completely unaware of the fact that they contacted the virus as they do not experience the symptoms in the first few days. Symptoms usually include body aches, headaches, and fever.
In other words, the West Nile Virus is just a mild illness but it can be dangerous for children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with weak immune system. This disease can escalate into a West Nile neuroinvasive disease, which attacks the brain and it can even lead to death.
According to Dr. Denise Werker, deputy chief medical health officer, people should ask for help as soon as possible if they notice more severe symptoms of West Nile Virus including a severe headache, paralysis, neck stiffness, confusion, and persistent fever.
Official have registered since 2003 some 157 West Nile neuroinvasive disease cases and 17 deaths in Saskatchewan. As a countermeasure, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced a map on its website regarding the places where mosquitoes might be.
This map receives weekly updates with reported cases, WNV risk, and positive tested mosquito pools. Experts underline that the disease-carrying insects are most active at sunrise and sunset, so people would best avoid exposure during these periods of the day.
Plus, mosquitoes thrive in standing water. That is why residents should check around their house to make sure that there is no source of standing water for these insects. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are also a good asset in keeping the mosquitoes away. Also, an excellent mosquito repellent might be the best bet against the West Nile Virus.
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