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Long before COVID-19, the threat of mosquito-borne West Nile virus had health officials in Alberta putting citizens on high alert.
This week, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is simply reminding Albertans to take precautions to protect themselves against the infection.
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What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is carried by the Culex tarsalis species, one of 40 types of mosquitoes. Those who are bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus can develop West Nile non-neurological syndrome (formerly known as West Nile fever) or the more serious West Nile neurological syndrome.
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Symptoms of non-neurological syndrome can include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, skin rash, swollen glands and headache.
AHS has previously said that most infected by the virus won’t even know it, while about one in five will develop West Nile non-neurological syndrome, which can happen up to 14 days after a bite.
The one in 100 who develop the neurological syndrome may experience tremors, drowsiness, confusion, swallowing problems, high fever, unconsciousness and paralysis. In rare cases, the infection can be fatal.
What is the history of West Nile in Alberta?
The first evidence of West Nile virus in Alberta was confirmed in 2003. By the end of the year, cases surged to 275, most of them in southern Alberta.
Of those, 49 people suffered neurological symptoms such as numbness and weakness in limbs. Some of those symptoms were permanent. No one in Alberta, at that time, died from the disease.
From 2003 to 2021, a total of 541 cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Alberta, many of which were acquired in the province and were not travel-related. Of all these cases, 460 were non-neurological syndrome.
According to the latest AHS data, Alberta had just one case of West Nile in 2020 compared to four in 2019 and 50 in 2018, the bulk of which were in southern Alberta.
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Since 2012, Edmonton has recorded just one case, back in 2013.
How to best avoid the virus
While the best defence is never to be bitten, tips from AHS for minimizing risk of mosquito bites include the usual, like wearing long-sleeved, light-coloured shirt, pants and a hat; staying indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; and using a Health Canada-approved insect repellant, like products that contain DEET or Icaridin.
But, for infants younger than six months old, AHS instructs not to use insect repellent containing DEET; a mosquito net is recommended when babies are outdoors in a crib or stroller. For children six months to two years old, the advice is to use insect repellent only when there’s a high risk of bites that can spread infections and diseases. It should only be used once a day.
Sunscreen and insect repellent can be used together, but sunscreen should go on first. Repellant should be washed away with soap, once back indoors.
Albertans can learn more about West Nile virus and ways to keep safe by visiting www.fightthebite.info or calling Health Link at 811.
