The Saskatchewan Health Authority and the City of Saskatoon are advising residents to take precautions to help lower their risk of contracting west nile virus.
The virus has been confirmed in samples sent to the Ministry of Health that were caught in two traps within city limits.
The mosquitoes that carry west nile, the culex tarsalis are active between mid-July to the end of August. Health officials recommend reducing the amount of time outdoors between dusk and dawn and to use insect repellent containing DEET.
Below is a full list way to protect to protect yourself from contracting west nile virus:
- Wear an effective insect repellent containing DEET. Repellents with Icaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are also effective.
- Reduce the amount of time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn. The mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active at dawn and dusk and in the early evening. They are especially active for two hours after sunset.
- Dress appropriately. Wear long sleeves and long pants. Mosquitoes may be more attracted to individuals wearing perfumes and colognes.
- Mosquito-proof your home. Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens.
- Drain standing water. Mosquitoes require water to complete their life cycle. Eliminate or reduce all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs like wading pools, wheelbarrows, containers, rain downspouts and gutters, pet dishes and birdbaths, etc. Reduce places in your yard where adult mosquitoes can thrive like tall grasses and weeds.
