Alberta’s first two cases of West Nile virus confirmed

• Albertans are reminded to take steps to keep themselves and their families safe, after the first two confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in 2013.

Alberta Health press release

The first case was acquired in mid-August in southern Alberta. The individual is female. The second case was a male who also acquired West Nile virus during mid-August in southern Alberta. Both cases are West Nile Non-neurological Syndrome and both are between 40 and 55 years of age.

“This is a reminder to all Albertans, particularly seniors, to take precautions when enjoying the outdoors: wear insect repellent with DEET; wear long-sleeved, light-coloured shirts and pants; wear a hat; and consider staying indoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.” - Dr. James Talbot, Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Every summer, mosquitoes arrive with the warmer weather, meaning the risk of acquiring West Nile virus comes back each year.

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can cause West Nile
Non-neurological Syndrome or, on rare occasions, the more serious West Nile Neurological Syndrome.

Individuals who develop West Nile Non-Neurological Syndrome may experience fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, skin rash, swollen glands and headache. The very small number of individuals who do develop West Nile Neurological Syndrome may experience tremors, drowsiness, confusion, swallowing problems, high fever, unconsciousness, paralysis and even death.

Cases of West Nile virus in Canada

• In 2012, the Public Health Agency of Canada reported 447 clinical cases of West Nile virus in Canada, including nine in Alberta. Of the nine cases reported in Alberta, seven were acquired in the province, including one death.
• In 2011, 102 cases were reported in Canada, but none were reported in Alberta that year.
• The vast majority of people who are bitten by an infected mosquito never develop any symptoms. About 20 per cent will be of the Non-neurological Syndrome type, and only about 1 in 150 will be of the Neurological Syndrome type.

Related information:
West Nile virus
Surveillance in Alberta
Fight the bite
Health Link Alberta or toll free at: 1-866-408-5465