West Nile virus risk increasing as temperatures rise, warns IHA

NEWS/ HEALTH — The risk of West Nile virus will increase toward the end of July and into August, warns the Interior Health Authority.

The IHA said today West Nile, a disease spread from infected birds like ravens, magpies and jays,  thrives in higher temperatures. It transfers to humans through mosquito bites.

West Nile was first detected in B.C. in the South Okanagan during the summer of 2009. There have been four cases in B.C., all in the Okanagan.

Last year, the Okanagan reported one human West Nile virus case while several parts of Canada and the U.S. reported significant increases in West Nile virus activity. Though 80 per cent of people infected with West Nile virus won’t get sick, about 20 per cent will have mild to moderate illness that starts three to 14 days after being infected.

Symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, swollen lymph glands and sometimes a rash on the body. The symptoms usually last about a week, but can last much longer.

Less than one per cent of people infected with West Nile can experience more serious illnesses and in very rare cases it can result in death, said the IHA.

“We’d like to remind people to continue to take steps both here at home and when travelling to avoid mosquito bites,” said Dr. Lizette Elumir, resident public health physician with Interior health.

“While the risk of becoming seriously ill from West Nile virus infection is low for many, it can be higher for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. It is important to remember there are things everyone can do to reduce the risk of infection.”

She advised people to reduce the risk of infection by avoiding dusk to dawn activities when mosquitoes are most active, wear protective clothing, use repellent, remove standing water and install screens on windows.