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By Chantal Wagner

Fight the bite

No West Nile Virus cases reported in the province so far this year

Jun 18, 2020 | 4:02 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Based on last year’s numbers the entire province of Alberta had four cases of the West Nile Virus.

That’s according to Medical Officer of Health for the South Zone Dr. Shobhit Maruti.

And so far in 2020, there have been no cases of West Nile in Alberta.

Despite, the low cases, he says now is a good time to remind Albertans about the virus with more time being spent outdoors.

Dr. Maruti says transmission is more likely in mid-July to mid-August.

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Adding that 80 percent of people who have been exposed show very little to no symptoms.

And that symptoms of West Nile can be very vague but similar to COVID-19.

“19.5 percent will get non-neurological syndromes so will get fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, lethargy, more noticeable. Less than one percent get the more very serious neurological syndromes which will include confusion, tremors, neck pain, paralysis, even death very rarely.”

He reminds residents to remove standing water on their property, as stagnant water is good breeding ground for mosquitos.

Dr. Maruti says there are things to limit exposure like avoiding going out in dusk and dawn, wear long-sleeve shirts, light colour clothing, hat, and DEET bug spray.

“And so far based on the evidence, there are no cases of transmission of COVID-19 via the Culex mosquito so that’s reassuring.”

For more information visit www.fightthebite.info

And depending on how unwell you feel call 811.