As temperatures increase, so does the risk of West Nile virus.
The risk is highest from the end of July through August and there are some important measures that people can take to reduce the risk.
West Nile virus is a rare disease that was discovered in the South Okanagan in 2009.
There have been four human cases since then, all in the Okanagan, but in 2016 the virus was detected in birds and horses in the Kootenays.
Several parts of Canada and the U.S. continue to report West Nile virus activity.
The risk of becoming seriously ill from West Nile virus is low for most people, but the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are more at risk.
Here are a few things that you can do at home and while travelling to reduce the risk of infection:
- Prevent mosquito breeding around your home. It doesn’t take much time or water for mosquitoes to develop from eggs into adults. Anything that can hold water can be a mosquito breeding area. Identify and remove potential breeding areas on your property - empty saucers under flowerpots; change water in bird baths twice a week; unclog rain gutters; drain tarps, tires, and other debris where rain water may collect; and install a pump in ornamental ponds or stock them with fish. Stagnant backyard pools can be a big source of mosquitoes and should be maintained regularly to prevent mosquito growth.
- Install screens on windows. Screens will help prevent mosquitoes from coming indoors.
- Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn. This is the time of day mosquitoes that can carry the virus are most active.
- Wear protective clothing. If you are in an area with many mosquitoes, wear loose fitting, light coloured, full-length pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Use mosquito repellent. Apply mosquito repellent to areas of exposed skin. Check the product label for instructions on proper use. Repellents containing DEET are safe for those over six months of age when used according to the directions on the label.
