Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, which are the breed of the insect that carries the West Nile virus, have been found in the Estevan area.
The Sun Country Health Region announced Monday they found the mosquitoes in their traps south of Estevan during the first week of June. Dr. Shauna Hudson, who is the region's medical health officer, said finding Culex tarsalis mosquitoes this early in the year is a bit unusual. She added that although tests have yet to come back, it's unlikely these mosquitoes were infected with the West Nile virus.
"That would be very, very unusual that they would be infected," said Hudson. "When they find the Culex tarsalis they get sent off to see if they are infected with West Nile and it's normally much later in the summer when they become infected, usually with the second generation."
Although the mosquitoes were found earlier than normal - in 2008 and 2009 they weren't discovered until late June - Hudson said it is too early to make predictions on how prevalent the West Nile virus will be this summer.
"There has to be enough heat for the West Nile to actually grow in the mosquitoes," she said. "It really makes it hard (to predict) and it is really difficult to say because if it is very cold they are not going to have enough warm days to become infected. (If we get warm weather) then we will be looking at the middle of July and into late August where that second generation and sometimes the third generation are infected.
"But the fact they are as early this year as they were in 2007 when we did see a lot of West Nile activity is partly why we put out the press release (Monday). 2007 was also very wet and that is ideal conditions for all mosquitoes - nuisance mosquitoes and Culex.
While the risk of contracting West Nile at this time of year is low, Hudson said is not too early to start taking precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus.
Dr. Hudson recommends that members of the public follow the "FIVE Ds:"
Wear a good insect repellant with DEET. Apply according to directions.
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 the yard where adult mosquitoes can thrive - like tall grasses and weeds.
Avoid going out during DUSK and DAWN. The mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most active at dawn and dusk and also in the early evening. They are especially active for two hours after sunset.
DRESS appropriately. Wear long sleeves and long pants (wear light-weight clothing to minimize the potential for heat-induced illnesses). 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. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
The mosquito surveillance program in Sun Country Health Region began the first week in June. Mosquito traps have been set up in three communities in SCHR and are key indicators in the provincial mosquito surveillance program.
