Mosquito Bites Turning Dangerous & Deadly

Planning a trip to the sunny south?  Be aware of a growing health concern for travellers…. mosquitoes that transmit dangerous and sometimes deadly viruses.

Dengue , Zika and West Nile, three related mosquito-borne viruses, are increasing at an alarming rate.

Half The World’s Population Now at Risk from Dengue Fever

The World Health Organization estimates that half the world’s population is now at risk from the dengue virus

A state of emergency has been declared on the big island of Hawaii where 250 confirmed cases of dengue fever have been reported since last October.

An alert has also been issued in the Dominican Republic after 57 Dengue Fever deaths have occurred already this year.

Dengue Fever is spread by infected mosquitoes.  It is not transmitted from person-to-person.

The fever causes a flu-like illness, and occasionally develops into a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue.

Zika Virus increasing Dramatically

The Zika virus, first detected in the Americas in 2015, has now spread to more than 33 countries. 

In February, the World Health Organization declared the Zika virus an international emergency, and published travel precautions.

Transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, Zika virus typically results in a mild fever, skin rash and conjunctivitis.

There is growing evidence this virus is a much bigger risk for pregnant women, with the potential to cause deformities in unborn babies.

West Nile Virus in Canada

In Canada, we face our own viral threat from mosquito bites — West Nile.

More than 5,000 West Nile virus cases have been reported in Canada since the virus was first detected in Ontario in 2002.

Symptoms and signs of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

Severe symptoms and signs may include stiff neck, sleepiness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, and paralysis. Most cases of West Nile virus infection are mild and go unreported.

Preventing Mosquito-Borne Viral Infections

There are no vaccines or specific treatments available for the Dengue, Zika or West Nile viruses

The best prevention is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes

Reduce Your Risk of Mosquito Bites

Whether you are travelling to other countries or staying here in Canada, there are precautions you can take to stay safe from mosquitoes:

• Wear long sleeve shirts and pants;  preferably light-coloured clothing
• Use mosquito repellant
• Keep doors and windows screened or closed
• Sleep under a mosquito net
• Take extra precautions during peak mosquito-biting periods — early in the morning or in the evening before dusk.
• Provide extra care for young children and elderly people who cannot protect themselves.
• Empty or cover containers such as buckets, flower pots, etc. that can hold water;  these can become mosquito-breeding sites.