The risk of contracting West Nile virus was recently upgraded in Saskatchewan during this, the prime season for the virus.

This possibly deadly virus is commonly spread by mosquitoes but can also be carried by various birds.

Mosquito monitoring is a constant in Canada, and recent numbers from a study into West Nile virus saw an increase in infected mosquitoes.

For the week ending July 21, 2018, an estimated 3.8% of mosquitoes that were tested in Saskatchewan, were found positive for West Nile disease, which is up from the previous week of testing.

July and August are the periods of the year when the virus is more active, which is the reason that the risk for West Nile in parts of the province was raised from mild to moderate.

Last year there were an estimated 200 cases of West Nile disease confirmed in humans in Canada, but that number is expected to be smaller than the actual number of cases.

West Nile disease is incurable and has severe and even deadly symptoms, but can also be experienced in a less extreme fashion.

Dr. David Torr, consulting medical health officer for the Saskatchewan Health Authority's southwest region, said that the virus could be extremely damaging, especially if you contract the more serious strain.

"Some individuals can get neurological West Nile virus, whereby they get actual serious effects on the nervous system which can affect your walking, your coordination, and even your level of consciousness," he explained.

To combat West Nile virus, the Ministry of Health recommends the public to limit going outside during dawn or dusk when mosquitos are most active, cover exposed skin, and use insect repellant.

The Ministry of Health also recommends getting rid of stagnant water as this is where mosquitoes tend to lay eggs.

As this West Nile season continues you can get more information as well as monitor the risk of the disease in your area, you can go to the website here.