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Two cases of West Nile virus reported in Alberta

Health officials in Saskatchewan say one person who had West Nile neurological syndrome has died. Handout / CDC

CALGARY- The province is warning people to protect themselves, after two people contracted West Nile virus.

The first case was found in a female in mid-August in southern Alberta. The second was contracted by a man, also in southern Alberta in mid-August. Both are between 40 and 55-years-old.

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“This is a reminder to all Albertans, particularly seniors, to take precautions when enjoying the outdoors: wear insect repellent with DEET; wear long-sleeved, light-coloured shirts and pants; wear a hat; and consider staying indoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active,” suggest Dr. James Talbot, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health.

West Nile is transmitted primarily through mosquito bites, and can lead to death.

Symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, skin rash, swollen glands and headaches.

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