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EDMONTON ¨C Â鶹ӳ»­ns are encouraged to take precautions this summer when coming across wildlife and insects to prevent bites and infections.

Insects can carry viruses and diseases in Â鶹ӳ»­. is an infection spread by mosquitoes that can affect your brain and give you flu-like symptoms. can carry , an infection that can cause problems with your skin, joints, nervous system and heart.

Prevent mosquito and bites:

• Cover as much of your body as possible when outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas. Wear a light-coloured, long-sleeve shirt, long pants and a hat.
• Consider using a Health Canada-approved insect repellant (for example, products containing or Icaridin) and follow the product label instructions. Always when you come in from the outdoors.
• For more information on insect repellants and other products, visit  or .
• If you¡¯ve been bitten by a tick, call Health Link at 811. You can also submit a to the to help monitor ticks in Â鶹ӳ»­.

is an infection caused by a virus that affects your nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Bats have been known to carry rabies in Â鶹ӳ»­ in recent years. If household pets and indoor animals are not up to date on routine rabies immunizations, they can also carry rabies and infect people.

Prevent bat bites:

• Never handle a live or dead bat with bare hands. Bats are likely to bite in .
• Children are curious and more likely to approach animals. They might not tell someone if they get a bite or scratch. Talk to children about not touching bats or wild animals.
• If you or your child are bitten or scratched by a bat:
  • , scratch or open sore with soap and water.
  • Call Health Link at 811. If rabies vaccine is recommended, you will be to get the vaccine.

Â鶹ӳ»­ is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Â鶹ӳ»­. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Â鶹ӳ»­ns. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.