Mosquito-Borne Illnesses on the Rise in Sea-to-Sky Region as Climate Change Fuels Virus Transmission
Authorities in the Sea-to-Sky region are on alert for mosquito-borne illnesses, with specific concern over the snowshoe hare virus and Jamestown Canyon virus. These viruses, transmitted by mosquitoes, have been identified as the cause of disease in the area. Since 2009,the province has recorded 10 cases linked to these two viruses,with two cases occurring within the Sea-to-Sky region itself.
The Vancouver health authorities are actively monitoring viruses belonging to the California serogroup, which are transmitted by mosquitoes. While these viruses typically do not cause symptoms, when thay do, they manifest as flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, fatigue, and occasionally nausea or vomiting.
To protect against mosquito bites, the public is advised to use insect repellent, wear long clothing, eliminate stagnant water sources, avoid peak mosquito activity times like dawn and dusk, and consider installing window screens.Individuals who have been in the Sea-to-Sky region and develop severe headaches accompanied by fever or seizures are urged to seek immediate emergency medical attention.
A collaborative surveillance pilot project is underway, involving the Health Régie, the British Columbia Center for Disease Control (BCCDC), the Lil’Wat and Squamish Nations Control Center, and the University of british Columbia.
Warming Temperatures Amplify Health Risks
The increase in global temperatures is directly impacting the transmission of these viruses by mosquitoes. Carol-Anne Villeneuve, a doctoral student in entomology at the University of Montreal who studies Arctic mosquitoes in the context of global warming, explains that while viruses require a certain incubation period, climate change is shortening this timeframe, leading to an earlier and more frequent occurrence of cases throughout the summer.
Villeneuve emphasizes a shift in public perception is needed, moving from viewing mosquitoes as a mere nuisance to recognizing them as a potential health risk. “We want to go camping, then this is not fun because in fall in the sun, we get stuck. [On se dit] This is a nuisance, but I think that we will have to change our mentality we will have to change by saying that it is not just a nuisance, it can also be a risk to health,” she stated.
Rohit Vijh adds that longer summers contribute to increased mosquito egg production and overwintering survival. Mosquito-borne illnesses typically occur between May and October, coinciding with heightened mosquito activity. However, this period is expected to extend due to consistently warmer temperatures.
With information from Akshay Kulkarni
