The risk of West Nile Virus (WNV) has increased, especially for those in Moose Jaw and communities to the south. 

Recently, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has confirmed they've found a pool of mosquitoes who have tested positive for the virus, which is carried by the Culex Tarsalis. 

According to the Saskatchewan Health Authority's Medical Health Officer, Dr. Mark Vooght, the warm weather expected for this weekend could mean an increased number of the pests flying around.

"There is a moderate risk because of the heat, the heat index is quite high at the moment as we know there has been recent rain so we might see an upsurge in the number of Culex Tarsalis mosquitoes in the next few days," explained Dr.Vooght.

He noted that typically you see a lot of people out and about doing activities outside, and while they would like residents to keep those plans, they want to remind everyone to protect themselves. 

"What we are saying is that going into the long weekend where people are active out and about camping, hiking, and biking and all that good stuff which we really want people to do is that just to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes this weekend and probably quite far into August."

Some ways you could reduce your risk of contracting the virus is by wearing full length clothing such as pants, and long sleeve shirts, and applying bug repellent spray when spending time out doors.

The most common symptoms of the WNV is a fever, and flu-like symptoms such as shakes and muscle pains and aches. However, in rare cases it can become more severe. 

"In 2003 and 2007 we had a lot of nervous or neurological patients in Saskatchewan but since then it has dropped off quite dramatically. We don't see much of that anymore, but it is possible."

Dr. Vooght said generally people don't experience anything too dangerous. Elderly residents and those who have weak immune systems may be more susceptible to the varying degrees of WNV. 

He also noted that there have been five pools that have tested positive for the virus around the province so far this year, one of which was in the Assiniboia area.