The West Nile virus has been detected for the first time ever in British Columbian mosquitoes, the province announced Saturday.
The BC Centre for Disease Control confirms that a mosquito pool -- a group of 10 to 50 mosquitoes collected in a trap -- sampled in the south Okanagan has tested positive for the virus.
Meanwhile, public health authorities are investigating two possible West Nile virus cases in Kelowna residents. If confirmed, they will be the first human West Nile infections reported this year.
Prior to this discovery, all recorded cases of West Nile in B.C. have been acquired outside the province. However, a government news release issued Saturday suggests the news is not a cause for alarm.
"We have been anticipating the arrival of West Nile virus in our province for several years now," Dr. Perry Kendall said in the release.
"The important things to note are that B.C. has a robust mosquito and West Nile virus surveillance system, and that people can take common sense precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites."
Suggested methods of warding off mosquito bites include:
- Wearing light-coloured long-sleeved shirts
- Wearing long pants
- Being extra vigilant in the evenings and early mornings, when mosquitoes are most active
- Using federally registered mosquito repellants
- Make sure screen doors and windows are securely fit
The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1937, and first appeared in North America in 1999 in New York city.
Most people who are infected with West Nile show no symptoms -- but one in 150 cases can be subject to neurological complications such as encephalitis, a brain inflamation, and meningitis, an infection in the brain lining.
Since mosquitoes are attracted to standing water, make sure that any pools, empty containers and other backyard items that may collect water are drained at least once a week.
For more information, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control West Nile virus website.
