Mosquito season brings renewed West Nile virus warning in Alberta

A mosquito feeds on a technician at the Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District on July 26, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Primary Care Alberta is urging Albertans to protect themselves from mosquito bites to reduce the risk of West Nile virus.

West Nile virus is an infection spread through mosquito bites and can cause flu-like symptoms.

In rare cases, the infection can lead to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, which can be difficult to recover from.

Primary Care Alberta says there is currently no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection.

While the risk of West Nile virus in Alberta is low, the agency says it is best to avoid mosquito bites altogether.

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It recommends covering as much of the body as possible when outdoors, wearing long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing and using insect repellent approved by Health Canada, including products containing DEET or Icaridin.

However, Primary Care Alberta advises against using insect repellent containing DEET on babies under six months of age.