Increased West Nile risk in Saskatchewan

Summer is here and so are the mosquitoes.

The provincial government is out with a warning about the West Nile Virus advising the risk of contracting it this summer in Saskatchewan has increased.

Entomologist for the City of Saskatoon Jeff Boone, said the mosquito that causes West Nile usually peaks around the August long weekend.

According to Boone, prevention is key “insect repellent is very important, activity patterns at dusk and dawn that’s when mosquito activity patterns peak,” he said.

Between 2003 and 2016, the provincial government reported 157 cases of West Nile Virus neuroinvasive disease; 17 resulted in death.

Boone said the number of nuisance mosquitoes is driven by rain while West Nile carrying mosquitoes like hot, dry conditions.

“If things sort of line up where there is stable weather patterns, good hot, dry conditions then you can see a build up of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes,” Boone said.

Mosquitoes that carry West Nile normally arrive mid-July and stay until September.

To avoid mosquito bites Boone suggests loose, light coloured clothing, long-sleeved shirts and pants.