Season for West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne pathogens begins
Solutions exist to prevent contamination, recalls the G.D.G Environment Center of Expertise.
Trois-Rivières, Quebec, July 12, 2024 — The peak of nuisance, that is to say, the moment when mosquitoes infringe on the quality of life of humans, through their considerable numbers, was reached around mid- June depending on the region. Depending on future weather and drying conditions, their presence should decrease for the rest of the summer season.
In Canada, however, this beginning period corresponds to the appearance of human cases infected with West Nile virus (WNV), a virus transmitted by mosquitoes.
«Although mosquitoes are fewer in number, we must remain extra vigilant. If the number of mosquitoes generally decreases with the heat of July and August, the viral load of mosquitoes infected with WNV becomes increasingly important, thus multiplying the transmission risks.»
, declared Richard Vadeboncoeur, biologist and Vice-President of Business Development at GDG, specifying that even if the symptoms of infection resemble those of the flu in the vast majority of cases, WNV must be taken seriously since it can cause serious illness in humans.
Of all the mosquito species present in Eastern Canada, Culex pipiens-restuans is the main cause of transmission of West Nile virus. This species, living in water containing a lot of organic matter, is mainly present in urban areas. Several other species are secondary vectors of the West Nile virus.
To prevent contamination by mosquitoes, solutions exist and everyone can do their part:
- Repairing mosquito nets at home.
- Eliminate any mosquitoes present before going to sleep.
- Wear long clothes in the evening and use repellent.
- Eliminate artificial breeding grounds where mosquitoes lay eggs. Environments conducive to their proliferation are those which accumulate stagnant water: tarpaulins, blocked gutters, undrained boats, unstarted swimming pools, etc.
- Establish a collective program for the integrated management of nuisances caused by mosquitoes
About GDG Environnement
G.D.G. Environment is a unique center of expertise dedicated to finding ecological solutions to quality of life and health issues in municipalities. Throughout Eastern Canada, the organization conducts operations to control biting insects (mosquitoes and black flies) using organic larvicides to reduce the nuisance caused by these insects. The distribution areas of different species of mosquitoes and associated diseases are evolving rapidly as a result of climate change. The organization also carries out mosquito population surveillance programs and monitors the various diseases transmitted by these species throughout Eastern Canada.