It has been a dry year in Saskatchewan, so you might think that means fewer pools of water for mosquitos to lay their eggs and therefore less chance of contracting West Nile Virus, but you would be wrong. Dr. Johnmark Opondo, a medical health officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, explains that there has been a higher proportion of Culex Tarsalis found with West Nile Virus compared to last year. He says when we think about mosquitos, we picture the nuisance mosquitos that show up in the spring that are active and bite aggressively, but Culex Tarsalis are smaller and quieter.
Opondo calls them ankle biters that come out mostly from dawn to dusk and they arrive in this province around mid-July. In Saskatoon and area, 3 of the 4 sampling sites have picked up Culex Tarsalis that are positive for West Nile. These mosquitos aren’t found north of Prince Albert. Dr. Opondo says the same guidelines for prevention of West Nile apply. Protect yourself by covering up, wear a repellant and get rid of any standing water in your yard.
West Nile Virus is Still a Concern
By Carol Thomson
Aug 24, 2018 | 11:09 AM