City of Lloydminster WEST NILE HANDBOOK

Be aware. Be prepared. Mosquito Season and the West Nile Virus

Mosquito season means the presence of mosquito-borne viruses such as West Nile. Be aware of the potential health risk and be prepared with preventive steps.

What is WNV?

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause disease in anyone. The risk of becoming seriously ill if bitten by an infected mosquito is low but increases with age. Most people who become infected experience no symptoms or have very mild illness such as "West Nile Fever". The virus can, however, result in serious neurological illness such as encephalitis (infection of the brain) which can have long-term complications.

How is the virus spread?

West Nile Virus is transmitted to people through bites from infected mosquitoes. Cases from blood transfusions and tissue transplants have been observed but have been very rare. Infection from mother-to-baby in the womb and possible transmission through breast milk are being investigated.

Who is at risk?

Everyone is at risk, particularly people who are active and outside during the summer months gardening, golfing, hiking or camping. Be sure to cover up and use bug spray when outdoors to avoid contact with mosquitoes..

Symptoms of WNV

The following may be some of the early symptoms of West Nile Virus, or many other illnesses. If you experience any of them, please seek medical attention.

• Fever
  

• Muscle weakness
  
• Stiff neck
  
• Confusion
  
• Severe headache
  
• Sudden sensitivity to light

What you can do

Personal protection and mosquito breeding site reduction will help reduce the risk of West Nile Virus to you and your family.

Cover up and avoid mosquitoes

Most mosquitoes are very active at dusk and dawn. If you need to be outside when mosquitoes are active:

• Wear protective, light-coloured clothing (long-sleeved shirts or jackets; long pants and socks).
  

• Use mosquito netting on strollers to protect infants and toddlers.
  
• Use bug spray. To date, there are 5 federally registered active ingredients for insect repellents: DEET; P-menthane 3, 8-diol; soybean oil; lavender; and citronella. Concentrations of active ingredients, duration of protection and safe usage for children vary significantly, so read label directions carefully. Note: citronella and lavender are currently being re-evaluated by Health Canada.

Insect Repellent Tips

• Repellent does not have to be applied heavily to be effective - a light coating will do.
  

• Adults should apply repellent on young children - do not let them apply it themselves.
  
• Do not use repellent on open wounds, or if skin is irritated or sunburned. Do not get it in your eyes - if this happens, rinse with water right away.
  
• Wash repellent off with soap and water when you return indoors or when protection is no longer needed.
  
• Avoid breathing mist from spray-type repellent. Always apply in a well-ventilated area. Do not use near food.
  
• Check for skin sensitivity - apply repellent to a small area of skin on the arm and wait for 24 hours to see if a reaction occurs.
  
• Store all repellents out of reach of children.
  
• Ask your doctor about insect repellents and see Health Canada's web-page: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/index-e.html ("Safety Tips on Using Personal Insect Repellents").

Products with DEET

If using products with DEET, follow the new Health Canada guidelines.

• Adults and children 12 years and older: products containing 30% DEET provide sufficient protection. If you plan to be outdoors for a short period of time, choose a product with a lower concentration. For example:

• Children between 2 to 12 years: the least concentration (10% or less) should be used. Do not apply more than 3 times a day. Do not apply to face and hands. Avoid prolonged use.
  

• Children 6 months to 2 years: in situations where there is a high risk of complications from insect bites, the use of one application of DEET may be considered. The least concentration (10% or less) of DEET should be used. Everyday use should be avoided.
  
• Children under 6 months: DEET should not be used.

Clean up around the house and yard

Take a look around your property and get rid of mosquito-friendly places:

Any type of standing water

• Clean up and empty containers of standing water, old tires, flower pots, wheel-barrows, barrels or tin cans, etc.
  

• Empty and clean bird baths once a week.
  
• Cover rainwater barrels with mesh or screen.

Swimming or wading pools

• Remove water that collects on pool covers.
  

• Make sure the pool's pump is working properly.
  
• Turn over wading pools when not in use.

Check eaves and drains

• Don't let things pile up. Clear leaves and twigs from eavestroughs, storm and roof gutters throughout the summer.
  

• Make sure drainage ditches are not clogged.
  
• Check flat roofs frequently for standing water.

Yard and lawn maintenance

• Fill in low depressions in lawn areas. Cut lawn frequently.
  

• Turn over compost frequently.|
  
• Clear away lawn cuttings, raked leaves or other decaying debris such as apples or berries that fall from trees.
  
• Clear out dense shrubbery where mosquitoes like to breed and rest.

Check windows

• Check window and door screens for holes; make sure they fit snugly into frames.

Find out more

For more information on the West Nile Virus:

Saskatchewan Health website at
www.health.gov.sk.ca
http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/rr_wnv_info.html

Alberta Health website at
www.health.gov.ab.ca
http://www.gov.ab.ca/home/index.cfm?Page=475

Health Canada website at:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/diseases/west_nile.html

Health Canada toll-free inquiry line:
1-800-816-7292

Contact the public health unit with your local regional health authority.

Saskatchewan Health toll-free inquiry line:
1-800-667-7766
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm