The time and conditions are ripe for an infestation of the Culex tarsalis mosquito, the carrier of the dreaded West Nile virus.
The risk of contracting the virus is increasing, and the mosquitoes carrying the potential of infecting local citizens have been identified in the Sun Country Health Region.
"This is one month earlier than in 2012," said a media release issued by the health region on July 12.
The provincial risk map has moved the dial to "moderate" from the previous "low" scale for the Sun Country region in the southeast sector.
The Culex tarsalis mosquitoes have been in the SCHR traps for a couple of weeks, they said, and that was confirmed by last week's report concerning Estevan's larvicide program that is used each spring and summer to control the mosquito population.
Larry Doan, of Southeast Tree Care, the company charged with the job of keeping the mosquito population in check, said there were some Culex tarsalis mosquitoes identified in the traps and the sample scoops they were making on a regular weekly basis as the peak summer season approached.
"Everyone should start now to get in the habit of taking precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in places where they live, work and play," said Dr. Shauna Hudson, the chief medical officer for Sun Country.
With the positive tests now confirmed, it is important to be taking those precautions to reduce the risk of exposure, Hudson reiterated.
The most important thing is to avoid mosquito bites, particularly at the times the insects carrying the West Nile Virus are most active, which is at dusk.
Health officials also advise citizens to used insect repellent with DEET, to help reduce risk.
Hudson added it was wise to continue to follow the traditional five Ds to help avoid exposure to the Culex tarsalis mosquito: Use repellent with DEET and apply it according to directions.Then drain standing water because that is where mosquitoes prefer to breed. Get rid of old water in wading pools, wheelbarrows, yard containers, downspouts, gutters, pet dishes and birdbaths. Cut tall grass and weeds.
Avoid going out at dawn and dusk because that's when the mosquitoes are most active with the Culex tarsalis being most active at dusk, and for about two hours after sunset.
Dress appropriately by wearing long sleeves and long lightweight pants. Mosquitoes are generally more attracted to people wearing perfumes and colognes.
Make sure the doors and windows have tight fitting screens.
For more information on West Nile virus, go the Saskatchewan government website at http:///www.health.gov.sk.ca/west-nile-virus
