Stay safe from insect and animal bites this summer

EDMONTON – Albertans are encouraged to take precautions this summer when coming across wildlife and insects to prevent bites and infections.

Insects can carry viruses and diseases in Alberta. West Nile virus is an infection spread by mosquitoes that can affect your brain and give you flu-like symptoms. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, an infection that can cause problems with your skin, joints, nervous system and heart.

Prevent mosquito and tick bites:

• Cover as much of your body as possible when outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas. Wear a light-coloured, long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a hat.
• Consider using a Health Canada-approved insect repellant (for example, products containing DEET or Icaridin) and follow the product label instructions.
• For more information on insect repellants and other products, visit Insect Repellents or Personal Insect Repellents.
• Always check for ticks when you come in from the outdoors.
• If you’ve been bitten by a tick, call Health Link at 811. You can also submit a photo of the tick to the Submit-a-Tick program to help monitor ticks in Alberta.

Rabies Prevention

Rabies is an infection caused by a virus that affects your nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Bats have been known to carry rabies in Alberta. Household pets and indoor animals should be up-to-date on routine rabies immunizations.

Prevent bat bites:

• Never handle a live or dead bat with bare hands. Bats are likely to bite in self-defence.
• Children are curious and more likely to approach animals. They might not tell someone if they get a bite or scratch. Talk to children about not touching bats or wild animals.
• If you or your child are bitten or scratched by a bat:
  • Wash the animal bite, scratch or open sore with soap and water.
  • Call Health Link at 811 or speak to a healthcare provider.

Alberta Health Services provides a range of healthcare services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide excellent, patient-focused healthcare that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.