Simple precautions reduce risk of West Nile virus infection

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is reminding Albertans to take precautions necessary to protect themselves against West Nile virus infection.

Whenever engaging in outdoor activities, or even just relaxing outside, all Albertans should take these simple steps to prevent bites and protect themselves from West Nile virus:

• Wear a long-sleeved, light-colored shirt, pants, and a hat.
• Use an approved insect repellent (e.g. products containing DEET or Icaridin). For children younger than 12 years old, pay special attention to the percentage of repellent based on age. For complete details about this, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca
• For babies less than six months old, do not use any insect repellent. Instead, protect them with full-coverage clothing and a hat.
• Consider staying indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

After being bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus, humans can develop West Nile non-neurological syndrome (formerly known as West Nile fever) or the more serious West Nile neurological syndrome.

Symptoms of non-neurological syndrome can be uncomfortable, including fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, skin rash, swollen glands and headache. For people 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 of these cases, 458 were non-neurological syndrome.

Albertans can learn more about West Nile virus and the precautions necessary to reduce risk at fightthebite.info or by calling Health Link at 811.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.