Saskatchewan residents are advised to take steps to lower their chance of contracting West Nile virus infection this summer .

Typically , the Culex tarsalis mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are active from mid-July to the end of August . The level of risk depends largely on the weather .

Most people who get infected with West Nile virus will experience no symptoms , or only mild ones like fever , headaches and body aches . However , there is a small chance of developing a more serious illness , West Nile virus neuroinvasive disease . This can lead to inflammation of the brain and even death .

“ If you ’ re bitten by a mosquito with West Nile virus , you ’ ll likely experience no symptoms or mild illness that resolves on its own ,” Saskatchewan ’ s Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr . Denise Werker said . “ However , there is still a small risk of serious neurological illness . That ’ s why you should seek medical help immediately if you develop serious symptoms like a persistent fever , confusion , neck stiffness , or an unusually severe headache .”

Since 2003 , there have been 157 severe neurological cases and 17 deaths in Saskatchewan .

“ Part of enjoying our beautiful Saskatchewan summers means taking precautions against mosquitoes that might carry West Nile virus ,” Provincial West Nile Virus Co-ordinator Phil Curry said .

Minimize your exposure to mosquito bites :

• Use appropriate insect repellent when outdoors ;

• Cover up . Wear light coloured , loose fitting , long-sleeved tops and long pants when outdoors ; and

• Reduce the amount of time spent outdoors between

dusk and dawn . The peak mosquito hours are around dusk and dawn , but Culex mosquitoes will also bite during the night .

Reduce habitats : mosquito

• C u l e x mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water . Even small amounts of water allowed to stand for a week or more , may produce adult mosquitoes ;

• Regularly clean and empty containers that can collect water such as bird baths and eavestroughs ;

• Clear yards of old tires and other items that can collect water ;

• Ensure rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening or are tightly sealed around the downspout ; and

• Maintain door and window screens so they fit tightly and are free of holes .

More information about West Nile Virus , including surveillance reports updated weekly , can be found at www . s a s k a t c h e w a n . c a / residents / health / diseasesand-conditions / west-nilevirus .

LEFT : The Culex tarsalis mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are typically active from mid- July to the end of August . martensville messenger - julY 14 , 2016 - Page 3

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Lacie Munholland , Martensville Messenger

Canada Post is still delivering while negotiations continue . Canada Post and the 50,000-member Canadian Union of Postal Workers are still in negotiations . The two have been in negotiations for the past seven months . In these months , there have been numerous days of conciliation talks , as well as discussions with federal mediators .

The negotiation talks have been deadlocked on a few issues : employment pension plans and wage parity . The union is negotiating on behalf of workers for changes in how rural and suburban mail carriers are paid – they want to be paid by the hour , not by how many packages they deliver . Urban mail carriers are paid by the hour . Research by the union has shown that the current system of pay determined by number of packages , disproportionately affects female members , as 70 per cent of rural and suburban postal workers are women . This equates to women earning around 30 per cent less than men in the urban unit doing the same work .

Additionally , workers are being asked to agree to a two-tier pension plan . This plan results in new hires receiving less retirement security than current union members . Canada Post wants to change its pension plan so that new employees are covered under a defined contribution plan instead of a defined benefit plan . Defined contribution plans reduce costs and shift the risk for future payouts to employees , who are no longer guaranteed a set payment in retirement . Union president Mike Palecek has commented that “ Canada Post has also proposed changes that would result in service cutbacks to an already under-resourced postal service , including the closure of about 400 retail outlets .”

Maryann Mihychuk , Minister of Employment , Workforce Development and Labour , has encouraged both Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers to continue discussions beyond the lockout notice : “ I am pleased that there has been movement at the bargaining table and that progress is being made ,” the Minister said . “ I remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached by the parties .”

continue their discussions beyond the lockout notice . Accordingly the Corporation has withdrawn its 72-hour notice . As a result , there will not be a lockout , which will allow both parties to focus their efforts on serious negotiations . We are also expecting the union to honour their repeated public statements that they have no plans to issue a strike notice . Assurance from both parties that the postal system will remain open for business while we negotiate will provide the certainty that Canadians and our employees are looking for . Canada Post is committed to negotiating agreements that are fair to our employees while providing affordable pricing and service to Canadians .”

FRIDGE

NEWS

A listing of upcoming events in and around Martensville

To place your organization ’ s ad , contact the Martensville Messenger at news @ martensvillemessenger . ca

Thursday , July 14 North Side RECYCLE Collection Day

Friday , July 15 - 7pm Saturday , July 16 - 1pm Monsters & Mayhem - Monster Trucks , Free-Style Motocross , Tough Trucks & More at Wyant Group Raceway

Tuesday , July 19 Council Meeting - City Hall 5pm

Ringette Workshop 10am-2pm MAP

Wednesday , July 20 South Side WASTE Collection Day

Irish Dance & Crafts Workshop 9am-12pm at MAP

Thursday , July 21 North Side WASTE Collection Day

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