The arrival of pesky mosquitos infected with the West Nile virus hasn’t been slowed by low mosquito populations over most of Saskatchewan.
The first virus-infected Culex tarsalis mosquitoes of the season were discovered Wednesday, according to the province.
The province’s moist mixed-grass prairie/aspen parkland ecological risk area, which encompasses Regina and Saskatoon, had four infected mosquitoes, according to the surveillance and transmission report.
The report says while Culex tarsalis numbers have recently increased as the third generation of mosquitos emerge, numbers remain low compared to the five-year average.
No human cases of the virus have been reported to date in 2021.
The last case of West Nile reported in Saskatchewan was in 2018 when three people were treated for the virus.
In 2007, the province’s greatest outbreak occurred, with 76 confirmed cases and six deaths.
Most persons infected with the West Nile virus have no or moderate symptoms, according to health officials.
They warned that a tiny percentage of people could develop a more serious condition called West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease.
Anyone who has a fever, is confused, has stiff neck, or has a strong headache should seek medical help.
Source_ The Canadian Press
