Although this year hasn't seen a large number of mosquitoes, the mosquitoes that are present have a greater potential for carrying the West Nile virus.

Culex Tarsalis are the most common type of mosquito for carrying the virus and they are currently dominating the mosquito population in Saskatchewan.

Knowing the time of day that mosquitoes are most active is very useful information.

"We're advising people to take precautions when they are out and about," said Phil Curry, West Nile Virus Coordinator with The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health. "Particularly in the evening when this mosquito becomes very active. It's active at temperatures above 15 degrees, so on warm evenings and throughout the night."

People may not realize that their own yards can be a breeding ground for the Culex Tarsalis mosquito.

"People's backyards have a lot of potential for Culex Tarsalis," added Curry. "It's very important to make sure that you have no standing water in your yards. Culex Tarsalis will lay several batches of eggs and bite many times."

The Culex Tarsalis mosquito is generally quite small in size compared to other types of mosquitos. 

So far there have been no confirmed cases of the West Nile virus infecting humans in Saskatchewan. However, there have been two lab tests that have tested positive.

Below are the lab results from last week and the whole mosquito season so far in Saskatchewan. Photo is courtesy of The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health.

WNV Weekly Surveillance

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 a headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus recover completely, however, 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 a headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, seizures or paralysis.

Recovery from severe disease may take several weeks or months with 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.

Luckily, you can take several steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Avoid and exclude mosquitoes

Limit exposure to mosquitoes by:

  • Avoiding outdoor activities when they're most active, dusk to dawn.
  • Repairing any tears in the screens on your windows, doors and camping gear.
  • Using mosquito netting over strollers and cribs or when sleeping outdoors.
  • Wearing long sleeved shirts and pants.

Use insect repellent

The most effective insect repellents include one of three active ingredients:

  • DEET
  • Icaridin (also called picaridin)
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (a plant-based compound)

These repellents temporarily repel mosquitoes and ticks. DEET may offer longer lasting protection. Whichever product you choose, read the label before you apply it. If you're using a spray repellent, apply it outdoors and away from food.

If you're also using sunscreen, put it on first, about 20 minutes before applying the repellent. Avoid products that combine sunscreen and repellent, because you'll likely need to reapply sunscreen more often than repellent. And it's better to use only as much repellent as you need.

Used according to package directions, these products are generally safe for children and adults, with a few exceptions:

  • Don't use DEET-containing products on infants younger than 2 months.
  • Don't let young children get DEET or icaridin-containing products on their hands or faces.
  • Don't use oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under age 3 years.
  • Don't apply repellent under clothing.
  • Don't apply repellent over sunburns, cuts, wounds or rashes.
  • When you go indoors, wash with soap and water to remove any remaining repellent.

At least you will probably just have to get through the next several weeks before the mosquito season is over. So do your best to protect yourself while the Culex Tarsalis are still around.