(SASKATOON) June 23, 2005 -- Public Health officials report that Culex tarsalis mosquitoes have been found in the southern part of Saskatoon Health Region (SHR), in Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park. Culex tarsalis is the species thought to be mainly responsible for transmitting West Nile Virus to humans.
"The Culex tarsalis mosquito has arrived a bit earlier than we anticipated, but we were expecting it soon given it's appeared in Manitoba a couple of weeks ago," says Dr. David Torr, Medical Health Officer for SHR. "The fact that we now have Culex tarsalis mosquitoes indicates the risk for human exposure to West Nile Virus is closer. Migratory birds carry the virus, and the Culex tarsalis feeds off of them and then transmits to humans through biting. To date, no positive birds have been found in the province," Dr. Torr adds.
The Health Region is urging those who have already begun taking protective measures to continue to do so. If you have not yet begun protecting yourself from mosquito bites, now is the time to start.
Protective measures include:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and apply insect repellent; the recommended repellents should contain 10% or less of DEET for children and up to 30% for adults;
- Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active;
- Make sure all windows and doors in homes are tight-fitting and properly screened; and
- Remove standing water from property to eliminate mosquito-breeding habitat.
Information on insect repellents and mosquito precautions can be picked up at any public health office.
For more information on West Nile Virus please visit the Saskatoon Health Region web site at http://www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca/your_health/west_nile.htm, Saskatchewan Health’s web site at http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/rr_wnv_info.html or the City of Saskatoon web site at http://www.city.saskatoon.sk.ca/org/parks/west_nile
- 30 -
For more information contact:
Leanne Nyirfa
Corporate and Public Affairs
Saskatoon Health Region
306.655.3386
Saskatoon Health Region
"Healthiest people, healthiest communities, exceptional service."
Back to 2005 archives |
