Saskatchewan West Nile Virus infections top 1,000
Pastor Dale Morgan
Saskatchewan West Nile Virus infections top 1,000*
September 17, 2007 | 2:41 PM ET
CBC News
CANADA - West Nile infections have reached a Saskatchewan record, and a
fourth person has died after contracting the virus, health officials say.
The total number of people who have contracted West Nile this year in
Saskatchewan now stands at 1,054, the health department said Friday.
Ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes have contributed to the
high numbers of West Nile virus infections, Saskatchewan health
officials say. Ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes have contributed
to the high numbers of West Nile virus infections, Saskatchewan health
officials say.
The last time the numbers were anywhere close to that was in 2003, when
there were 947 infections. Seven people died that year.
This year, more than half of those infected live in the
Regina-Qu'Appelle and Saskatoon health regions. Provincial officials
were expected to release more information about the latest death Friday
afternoon.
The public is advised to take precautions against mosquitoes, including
wearing clothes that don't leave skin exposed and using insect repellent.
Government officials said wet, warm weather earlier in the year provided
the perfect breeding conditions for the variety of mosquito that carries
the virus.
The virus can cause flu-like symptoms, but in extreme cases it can lead
to neurological damage or death.
According to the heath department, 30 Saskatchewan people have
experienced severe symptoms.
Saskatchewan has more West Nile infections this year than any other
province in the country, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.