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The First Known Case In Province Contracted In Saskatchewan

Alberta- The first known case of West Nile Virus in Alberta has been revealed, a man in his mid 30’s has come down with the mosquito borne disease.

The man was traveling in Saskatchewan and it is believed that he was bitten when traveling there, as there has not been any mosquitoes or dead birds found in Alberta that have been infected so far this year.

The government of Alberta announced the first case in the province on Monday, and there is an ongoing investigation to try and isolate how the man was infected.

The cold summer in Alberta seems to have caused a slowdown of the spread of the disease, but the Alberta health officials are still warning the citizens of the province to be on guard against the disease.

It may be a slower year for West Nile Virus, but the spokesman for Alberta Health is urging their citizens to not let down their defenses.

The case in Alberta was confirmed by physicians in the province over the weekend, he is exhibiting signs of a rash and a fever, in addition to other typical West Nile virus symptoms.

The worst outbreak in Canada of West Nile was last year with over 2,000 infections including 320 in Alberta, so the lack of any cases to this point is being celebrated cautiously by officials in Alberta.

The chief acting medical office in Alberta, Dr. Gerry Predy said that people should cover themselves and continue to use repellent, with DEET to repel mosquitoes.