A recent study conducted by the Public Works and Parks in Saskatchewan found that the number of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile Virus in Saskatchewan is quite low.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.

The main species that carries the virus in Saskatchewan is Culex tarsalis. The risk of becoming infected varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions and the number of infected mosquitoes.

You are most at risk in July, August and early September when Culex mosquitoes are most active and present in higher numbers. If you spend a lot of time outside on the farm or worksite, at the cottage, camping, hiking, gardening or golfing, you are at higher risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

To minimize your exposure to mosquito bites use appropriate insect repellent when outdoors. Wear light coloured, loose fitting, long-sleeved tops and long pants when outdoors and reduce the amount of time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn. The peak mosquito hours are around dusk and dawn, but Culex mosquitoes will also bite during the night.

West Nile virus symptoms:

Most people who have been infected experience no symptoms and do not get sick.

Approximately 20 per cent of people who become infected will develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile Virus disease recover completely. Fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.

Less than 1 per cent of people infected will develop a more serious illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). This serious type of illness is called West Nile Virus neuroinvasive disease. Symptoms of WNV neuroinvasive disease can include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures or paralysis.

Recovery from severe disease may take several weeks or months. Some of the neurologic effects may be permanent. About 10 percent of people who develop neurologic infection due to WNV will die.

There is no specific treatment, medication or cure for WNV disease. Serious cases are treated with supportive therapies to ease symptoms and prevent secondary infections. Supportive therapies include hospitalization, intravenous (IV) fluids, airway management, respiratory support and nursing care. Physical or occupational therapy may be needed to help with long-term effects.

Currently there is no human vaccine available to prevent WNV infection. There are a number of companies currently working on a vaccine but this is still in the development phase.

The Public Works and Parks are waiting for the results of their most recent study to come back. So far this year the numbers are quite low though.

If we start seeing more rain there will for sure be more mosquitoes as well.