We are well into the spring season.
Black flies and musquitoes are more prevalent this year and health authorities are suggesting you have insect repellent handy, dress properly in wooded areas, get rid of stagnant water and have screens on your windows.
They also say not to worry about contacting West Nile virus from a bite because it isn’t really an issue here although, some people are still afraid.
Nova Scotia communicable disease specialist Sara Rumbolt says there have only been 4 cases of West Nile confirmed in this province in the past dozen years.
“That was travel related. They became infected while travelling and once they returned home to Nova Scotia, they were diagnosed.”
Rumbolt suggests ticks are the real danger .. because they can carry Lyme Disease, which can result in death if not properly treated.
If you travel outside our region or internationally, here are some things to watch for:
Symptoms
The majority of people infected with West Nile virus (approximately 70-80 per cent) have no symptoms and do not feel sick. For the remainder, most have mild symptoms that usually appear within two to 15 days after infection.
Mild symptoms may include:
- fever
- headache
- body aches
- mild rash
- swollen lymph glands
While anyone infected with West Nile virus can be at risk of developing more severe symptoms and health effects, such as meningitis and encephalitis, adults 50 years of age and older, and those with underlying conditions and/or weaker immune systems are at greater risk. Fewer than 1 per cent of people infected with the virus will develop severe symptoms and health effects.
Symptoms of severe illness may include:
- rapid onset of severe headache
- high fever
- stiff neck
- nausea
- difficulty swallowing
- vomiting
- drowsiness
- confusion
- loss of consciousness
- lack of coordination
- muscle weakness
- paralysis
Some patients with severe illness could experience a variety of health effects for many months to years after their initial illness.
Consult your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of these symptoms.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus.
Serious cases are treated with supportive therapies (e.g., intravenous fluids, respiratory support and prevention of secondary infections) that may require hospital or nursing care.
How to protect yourself
Canadians are encouraged to spend time outdoors and to be active. You can protect yourself from mosquito bites and reduce your risk of contracting West Nile virus by following these simple measures:
- use insect repellent that contains DEET*, Icaridin** or other approved ingredients (always read and follow the directions on the insect repellent container, especially when using on young children)
- wear light-coloured clothing, a long-sleeved shirt and long pants
- make sure screen doors and windows are in good repair to keep mosquitoes outside
- empty standing water around your home and property (e.g., flowerpots, gutters, pet water dishes, and birdbaths) on a regular basis, because mosquitoes breed in standing water
*DEET has been safely used in North America for more than 55 years. Insect repellents containing DEET are safe when used as directed.
** In 2012, Health Canada registered Icaridin (also called Picaridin) as a safe and effective insect repellent against certain pests, such as mosquitoes and ticks, when used as directed.
