While all the rain has greened up the grass, it has also created the perfect conditions for mosquitos. 

With a healthy mosquito population, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is reminding the public at large to take precautions against West Nile Virus the best they can.

Dr. Christine Kennedy, Medical Officer of Health for the Calgary Zone, says although it has yet to be determined if Albertans are at higher risk this year of contracting West Nile Virus, people should still take preventative measures. "It is too early in the season to have the results back from mosquito monitoring on a provincial basis, but with every mosquito bite comes a risk of West Nile Virus. So the bottom line is trying not to get bitten by any mosquitoes to minimize your risk of developing or contracting West Nile Virus."

Alberta Health Services is recommending the following three best ways community members can protect themselves and minimize the risk of bites and contracting the virus, says Dr. Kennedy. "Whenever engaging in outdoor activities or even just relaxing in a hammock outside all Albertans should take three simple steps. Those three things are: wear a long-sleeved light coloured shirt, pants, and hat...even including socks. Those ankles, especially at dawn and dusk, can be quite attractive for mosquitoes. Also, use an approved insect repellant one that contains DEET or Icaridin. And thirdly, consider staying indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active and more hungry."

An increased mosquito population doesn't necessarily always correlate to an increased number of confirmed West Nile cases, shares Dr. Kennedy. "It depends on the reservoir for the virus, as well as, how active and easy it is for the virus to be contracted to mosquitoes who then can transfer to humans."

While there has yet to be a confirmed case of West Nile in the province for 2019, Alberta has reported 532 confirmed cases of West Nile Virus from 2003 to 2018. "Many of which were acquired here in the province and not necessarily travel related. The good news is 458 out of the 532 cases were non-neurological, so the less severe manifestation of the virus." 

The difference between non-neurological and neurological syndrome is how the virus manifests after being bitten, shares Dr. Kennedy. "After being bitten by a mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus, humans can develop either West Nile Non-Neurologigaicl Syndrome (West Nile Fever) or the more serious and severe manifestation which is West Nile Neurological Syndrome. The symptoms of the non-neurological can be similar to the flu. It can be uncomfortable, including fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, skin rash, swollen glands, and a headache. But for people who develop neurological syndrome, symptoms can be much more severe, and can include tremors, drowsiness, confusion, swallowing problems, high fever, unconsciousness, paralysis, and even death."

If you do find yourself a victim of the mighty mosquito, Alberta Health Services has some great information found HERE. 

Lastly, Dr. Kennedy says if you do begin to manifest any signs of Neurological West Nile Virus, you are encouraged to present to the nearest Emergency Department, Urgent Care facility, or call Healthlink at 811 for further information on how to proceed."