September 1, 2006, Saskatoon – Saskatoon Health Region and the City of Saskatoon report that Culex tarsalis mosquitoes in two mosquito pools within Saskatoon have tested positive for West Nile virus.
"Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the mosquitoes known to pass West Nile virus onto humans, will continue to bite as long as the weather stays warm," says Dr. Johnmark Opondo, Deputy Medical Health Officer for the Saskatoon Health Region. "Although the peak period for becoming infected with the virus has passed, residents should continue to take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes."
The following protective measures are recommended to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes:
- Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts.
- Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are most likely to bite.
- Use mosquito nets over play pens, strollers, and carriages for infants. Do not use DEET on children under 6 months old.
- Keep mosquitoes from entering your homes by using screened windows and doors. Keep screens in good repair.
- Keep grass cut short.
- Eliminate all standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs, such as in tires, flower pots, paddling pools, and bird baths.
Health Canada recommends the use of repellents containing concentrations of DEET not exceeding 30 per cent for adults or 10 per cent for children two to twelve years of age. No more than one application of 10 per cent DEET per day is recommended for infants aged six months to two years old.
Some non-DEET repellents have been shown to provide protection for a period of time similar to a product with a low concentration of DEET (4.75 per cent). Use of these products is recommended for people with: allergic skin reactions to products containing DEET; irritated, sunburned, bruised, or broken skin; or skin conditions such as skin cancer, dermatitis, acne, eczema or psoriasis.
For more information on West Nile virus, please visit the Saskatoon Health Region website at www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca, Saskatchewan Health’s website at www.health.gov.sk.ca,
or the City of Saskatoon’s website at www.saskatoon.ca and look under “W” for West Nile virus.
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For more information contact:
Kerilyn Voigt
Public Affairs Adviser
Saskatoon Health Region
(306) 655-3386
John Goss
Pest Management Technician
City of Saskatoon
(306) 975-276
Saskatoon Health Region
"Healthiest people, healthiest communities, exceptional service."
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