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Alberta Reports First West Nile Death Since 2007

The Canadian province of Alberta has confirmed that one of its residents died due to West Nile virus), the first since 2007.

The Alberta Health Services did not reveal much about the victim, except that the casualty lives in the southern part of the province. As of this posting, there are 10 cases of West Nile reported this year, seven of which are located in the southern half of Alberta.

“Sadly, as weve seen in Alberta this year, West Nile virus infection can cause severe illness and even death,” says Dr. Gerry Predy, a senior medical officer of health for the province.

Symptoms of infection from West Nile virus include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, skin rash, swollen glands, and headache. A small number of cases may develop into neurological symptoms such as tremors, drowsiness, confusion, swallowing problems, and unconsciousness that may lead to paralysis and death.

More information on the West Nile virus, prevention, and treatment can be found on the provincial website, fightthebite.info.

Source: CBC
Diseases Conditions – GuideTo.Com

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