Keep yourself and your family safe from bite risks this summer

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on July 26, 2024.

AHS is encouraging caution in regards to insect and animal bites this summer, and has shared a few pieces of advice to keep people and their families safe.

Insects can carry viruses and diseases in Alberta. West Nile is an infection spread by mosquitoes that can affect the brain and cause flu-like symptoms, while ticks can carry Lyme disease, an infection that can cause problems with the skin, joints, nervous system and heart.

Despite the heat, AHS recommends covering as much skin as possible when outdoors. AHS specifically suggests a light-coloured, long-sleeve shirt, long pants and a hat.

Health Canada-approved insect repellant; for example, products containing DEET or Icaridin, can also be helpful in repelling biting insects, but it’s vital to check for ticks after coming indoors.

Should a tick be found, they ask residents to consider submitting a photo of the tick to the Submit-a-Tick program to help monitor ticks in Alberta, after calling HealthLink at 811.

Insects aren’t the only biting creatures that can spread disease however, and AHS warns about the possibility of contracting rabies from affected animals, especially bats, which have been known to carry the virus. Rabies is an infection caused by a virus that affects your nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves

Indoor animals and pets can also contract and spread rabies, if not properly vaccinated.

They remind people to never handle a live or dead bat with bare hands, as the animals are likely to bite in self-defence, and to keep an eye on children around bats, as they are curious and more likely to approach animals.

Talk to children about not touching bats or wild animals, and stress the importance of telling someone if they are bitten or scratched.

In the event someone is bitten by a bat or wild animal, wash out the bite, scratch or open sore with soap and water and call 811.

In the event a rabies vaccine is recommended, those affected will be told where to go to get the vaccine.