Latest news with #MoliehiKhaketla
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
B.C. Health officials set up mosquito traps in the Sea to Sky region for study
VANCOUVER - Mosquito traps have been set up across the Sea-to-Sky region in British Columbia as health officials launch a pilot project to understand the area's mosquitoes and the illnesses they spread. Vancouver Coastal Health says there were four cases of mosquito-borne illnesses late last year, that resulted in swelling of the brain, and all the patients likely acquired the infections in the area along Howe Sound and north to Whistler and Pemberton. Dr. Moliehi Khaketla, medical health officer for Vancouver Coastal Health, says the viruses aren't new to B.C., but it's unusual to see the 'very severe' human cases. The health authority says the four patients have already recovered from their illness. The mosquito project will last for three months, and Vancouver Coastal Health says they hope to learn more about the risk to the public, the in meantime, those in the area should take preventive measures against mosquito bites. The mosquito-borne illnesses, part of the so-called California Serogroup viruses, usually do not cause symptoms, but when they do occur, they are flu-like, with a fever, headache, fatigue and occasional nausea or vomiting. The health authority says those who have been in the Sea-to-Sky region and develop symptoms of severe headaches with fever or seizures are advised to seek care immediately. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July, 18, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
B.C. Health officials set up mosquito traps in the Sea to Sky region for study
VANCOUVER – Mosquito traps have been set up across the Sea-to-Sky region in British Columbia as health officials launch a pilot project to understand the area's mosquitoes and the illnesses they spread. Vancouver Coastal Health says there were four cases of mosquito-borne illnesses late last year, that resulted in swelling of the brain, and all the patients likely acquired the infections in the area along Howe Sound and north to Whistler and Pemberton. Dr. Moliehi Khaketla, medical health officer for Vancouver Coastal Health, says the viruses aren't new to B.C., but it's unusual to see the 'very severe' human cases. The health authority says the four patients have already recovered from their illness. The mosquito project will last for three months, and Vancouver Coastal Health says they hope to learn more about the risk to the public, the in meantime, those in the area should take preventive measures against mosquito bites. The mosquito-borne illnesses, part of the so-called California Serogroup viruses, usually do not cause symptoms, but when they do occur, they are flu-like, with a fever, headache, fatigue and occasional nausea or vomiting. The health authority says those who have been in the Sea-to-Sky region and develop symptoms of severe headaches with fever or seizures are advised to seek care immediately. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July, 18, 2025.
Vancouver Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
Health officials to study mosquitoes in the Sea to Sky region after cluster of illness
Health officials are embarking on a study of mosquitoes in the Sea to Sky region after a cluster of severe mosquito-borne illness raised the alarm. Late last year, there were four cases of California Serogroup viruses — specifically Snowshoe Hare Virus and Jamestown Canyon Virus. All four patients became ill with encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, Vancouver Coastal Health said in a statement Friday. The number and severity of the cases triggered an investigation by health officials. They found that all four patients likely acquired the infections locally within the Sea to Sky corridor. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. VCH, along with the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, the Líl̓wat and Squamish nations and the University of B.C., is embarking on a small-scale mosquito surveillance pilot project in the Sea to Sky region to better understand the local mosquito population and the viruses they carry. 'While we encourage outdoor recreation and activity, we're advising residents and travellers to the Sea to Sky area to take preventative measures against mosquito bites, between now and fall. Anyone who travels to the Sea to Sky and gets mosquito bites should seek health care if they develop neurological symptoms like confusion, seizures or severe headaches with fever, says Dr. Moliehi Khaketla, medical health officer for Vancouver Coastal Health. 'We're also undertaking the mosquito surveillance project to learn more about the risk to the public,' said Khaketla. Mosquito traps have been set up at select sites throughout the region, guided by local community knowledge and study team expertise, VCH said. The study will help update the list of mosquito species in the area and test mosquitoes for potential human pathogens. This mosquito-borne disease has been in B.C. for decades but health officials say reported cases of human illness are rare. Cases typically occur from May to October when there is increased mosquito activity. However, health officials said this period may be extended due to the increasingly warmer temperatures associated with climate change. Prior to this cluster, 10 cases of had been reported provincially since 2009, with two in the VCH region. When symptoms occur, usually five-15 days after the mosquito bite, they are typically flu-like, including fever, headache, fatigue, and occasionally nausea or vomiting. Most individuals recover without the need for treatment, but in rare cases, the viruses can lead to more serious conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis, which may require hospitalization and a longer recovery time. Symptoms of meningitis or encephalitis may include confusion, seizures, and/or severe headaches with fever, according to VCH. There is no human vaccine available to prevent acquiring this group of viruses. Health officials are urging outdoor enthusiasts to take preventative measures during the summer and fall, for example use mosquito repellent, wear protective clothing and avoid dark clothing as it attracts the insects. In areas with a lot of mosquitoes, health officials advise people wear full-length pants and a long-sleeved shirt and installing mosquito screens on the windows. Residents with stagnant water on their properties are asked to consider moving them during mosquito season. This might include emptying saucers under flowerpots, changing water in bird baths twice a week, unclogging rain gutters, draining tarps, tires and other debris where rainwater may collect, and installing a fountain in ornamental ponds or stocking them with fish. Backyard pools can also be a significant breeding ground for mosquitoes if not maintained regularly, VCH said. ticrawford@
