The B.C. Centre for Disease Control is investigating possible West Nile infection in two Kelowna, B.C., residents, who officials say have already tested positive in preliminary examinations.

"We have two people who have symptoms of the virus who have had preliminary tests that are positive," the centre's Dr. Bonnie Henry said Saturday.

Final test results are expected as early as Monday. If confirmed, they will be the first human cases recorded in Canada this year.

The pair, both adults in their 40s, have not been hospitalized.

About 40 British Columbians have tested positive for the virus in the past, but all are believed to have contracted it outside of the province.

The latest investigation is unique, Henry said, because the pair hasn't traveled outside B.C. this summer.

On Saturday, authorities confirmed a mosquito pool collected in the south Okanagan had tested positive for the virus.

"We've known for a few years now in B.C. that we have the right types of mosquitoes," Henry said. "We have the climate and we have the birds that allow West Nile virus to be here."

The virus is spread most commonly through mosquitoes. The centre for disease control issued a set of suggested methods for warding off mosquito bites, including:

  • 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.

With a report from CTV British Columbia's Norma Reid