West Nile on rise, says AHS

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on September 26, 2023.

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Medicine Hat News

Seven cases of West Nile have been confirmed in southern Alberta this fall, leading health officials to urge that precautions be taken against the mosquito-borne illness.

A press release from Alberta Health Services states that five of those cases were acquired in Southeastern portion of the province in the last month, and three of those individuals has been diagnosed with West Nile neurological syndrome. That is the more serious version of the disease formerly known as West Nile fever.

Symptoms of the non-neurological syndrome can be discomfort, including fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, skin rash, swollen glands and headache.

For people who develop neurological syndrome, symptoms can be more severe, including tremors, drowsiness, confusion, swallowing problems, high fever, unconsciousness, paralysis and even death.

General prevention measures are along the lines of avoiding mosquito bites: wear covering clothing, stay indoors at dusk and dawn, and use repellent.