Although summer is drawing to an end and extreme heat in the southwest has started to subside, mosquitoes haven’t yet.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is advising southwest residents about a type of mosquito present at this time of the year that can carry the West Nile Virus.

Dr. David Torr, medical health officer for the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s southwest and integrated rural areas and area department lead for the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, shared that since being introduced into the province several years ago, the number of West Nile cases continues to drop.

“In the month of August and into September, we tend to have a breed of mosquito called the Culex tarsalis, which many times will carry the West Nile Virus,” he said, noting that July and August are the most high-risk months.

Folks are encouraged to take advantage of mosquito repellent, wear adequate clothing, be mindful of what time of day they’re outside, and always empty containers of standing water.

“Dusk and dawn are when these mosquitoes are active a lot of the time,” concluded Torr. 

Symptoms of the West Nile Virus can include fever, body aches, vomiting, fatigue, and, in severe cases, can even result in encephalitis or meningitis.

Anyone looking for more information about the West Nile Virus, how to reduce mosquitoes, and more, can head to the Government of Saskatchewan’s website.