Should You Be Concerned About West Nile Virus?

West nile virus can cause flu like symptoms and even death. The virus is here, in our own east beaches backyard.

The west nile virus is most commonly found in birds, specifically in jays and crows. Humans can get the virus through mosquitos that have bitten an infected bird. The virus can be found around places in Africa, Europe, some parts of Asia and North America including the east beaches of Lake Winnipeg.

Catching the virus can produce a flu like illness that can last 3-6 days. In some rare cases it can cause death. People who are exposed to mosquito bites are at risk of getting west nile. There’s an outbreak of west nile across Canada, especially in rural Manitoba including Traverse Bay, Grand Beach, Victoria Beach, Hillside, Belair, and all the surrounding areas.

Because there is no vaccine, preventing mosquito bites is a must. Prevention can include; applying mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeve shirts-pants. Avoid going outside during dawn as that’s when mosquitos are most active.

You will also benefit by hiring a professional pest control service like GB Pest Control to spray your property to significantly reduce the mosquito count. GB services all the east beaches communities including Traverse Bay, Grand Beach, Victoria Beach, Hillside, Belair, Grand Marais, Albert Beach, Lester Beach, and Pine Falls.