Warm temperatures spark an increased risk for the West Nile Virus

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Last year alone, the virus was found in birds and a horse in the East Kootenay region.

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Interior Health maintains the risk of contracting the virus from handling birds is minimal but cautions against people touching birds both dead and alive with their bare hands.

Unusual clusters of dead birds should be reported to the BC Interagency Wild Bird Mortality Investigation at 1-866-431-BIRD.

Interior Health said the risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus is low but recommends that people take precautions at home and while traveling.

Some of the recommendations include:

• Prevent mosquito breeding around your home. It doesn’t take much time or water for mosquitoes to develop from eggs into adults. Anything that can hold water can be a mosquito breeding area. Identify and remove potential breeding areas on your property – empty saucers under flowerpots; change water in bird baths twice a week; unclog rain gutters; drain tarps, tires, and other debris where rain water may collect; and, install a pump in ornamental ponds or stock them with fish. Stagnant backyard pools can be a big source of mosquitoes and should be maintained regularly to prevent mosquito growth.

• Install screens on windows. Screens will help prevent mosquitoes from coming indoors.

• Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn. This is the time of day the mosquitoes that can carry the virus are most active.

• Wear protective clothing. If you are in an area with lots of mosquitoes, wear loose fitting, light coloured, full-length pants and a long-sleeved shirt.

• Use mosquito repellent. Apply mosquito repellent to areas of exposed skin. Check the product label for instructions on proper use. Repellents containing DEET are safe for those over six months of age when used according to the directions on the label. DEET-free products are available, but may not provide long-lasting protection. View the HealthLinkBC file on DEET for guidelines on how frequently to apply repellent.

Interior Health works closely with the B.C. Centre for Disease Control and Canadian Blood Services to monitor West Nile virus activity. Surveillance includes screening the blood supply and reporting human as well as animal cases.