Public health authorities in the province issued a statement alerting the public to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites because of potential risks of West Nile virus (WNV) infection.

The alerted was made after officials recently detected the presence of virus infected insects in the province. Even though there are no reported cases this summer of Québecers infected with the virus, the WNV season which starts in summer will continue up to the first frosts.

Mosquitoes bites care the primary pathway for introduction of the virus in humans and the provincial health ministry recommends that people take measures to minimize the risks of bites and the presence of mosquitoes.

Seven Ways to Prevent Mosquito Bites

1. Use mosquito repellent containing Picaridin or DEET;
2. Wear long light-colored clothing, especially outdoors;
3. Wear socks, and shoes, not sandals;
4. Install mosquito nets on doors and windows;
5. Cover garbage cans;
6. Eliminate stagnant water sources;
7. Avoid the outdoors during dusk and dawn, mosquitoes prime feeding time.

Symptoms

In about 80 per cent of cases, people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. However, some individuals may develop symptoms which appear from 2 to 14 days after being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus.

The most frequent benign symptoms are:

• Headaches
• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Skin rashes with pimples
• Swollen lymph nodes

Less than one per cent of individuals infected, about one in 150, will develop a severe form of the disease resulting in neurological disorders. Such as meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis of the lower limbs and in rare cases, WNV may cause death.

Symptoms associated with the severe form WNV:

• Intense or unusual headaches
• High fever
• Stiff neck
• Nausea or vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Confusion or disorientation
• Loss of consciousness and convulsions
• Coordination disorders
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis

When to Obtain Medical Assistance

If you experience one of the symptoms associated with the severe form of West Nile virus infection, seek medical help promptly.

Source

The content on this website is for information purposes only and by no means replaces the advice of a health professional. If you have questions regarding your health, contact Info-Santé 811 or see a health professional.