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Well being officers are warning Albertans to take precautions after a number of instances of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus have been famous within the province.
Alberta Well being Companies says 9 instances of the virus have been confirmed in Alberta this yr — two within the Edmonton space and 7 in southern Alberta. 5 have been recognized throughout the final month in southeastern Alberta, three of them extreme. The well being authority says heat climate continues to favour mosquito exercise in southern Alberta.
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“After being bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus, individuals can develop West Nile non-neurological syndrome (previously often known as West Nile fever) or the extra critical West Nile neurological syndrome,” AHS mentioned in a Friday discover.
Much less extreme instances current with signs of fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pores and skin rash, swollen glands and headache. The extra extreme neurological syndrome may cause tremors, drowsiness, confusion, swallowing issues, excessive fever, unconsciousness, paralysis and, in extreme instances, dying.
Well being officers say Albertans can defend themselves by carrying a long-sleeved, light-coloured shirt, pants and a hat, staying indoors at daybreak and nightfall when mosquitoes are most energetic and utilizing insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin.
For infants youthful than six months, AHS recommends mosquito nets over insect repellants. For kids between six months and two years previous, the well being authority says bug spray ought to solely be used when there’s a excessive threat of insect bites.
Extra data on the West Nile virus is offered on the province’s web site.
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