We aren't the only ones who are active outside during the summer months, mosquitoes are as well.

Alberta Health Services is encouraging residents to take the proper precautions to avoid contracting West Nile virus which may be carried by some mosquitoes and is transmitted through their bite.

Dr. Jason Cabaj, medical officer of health for AHS Calgary zone, says some people may experience an asymptomatic infection where they may not be aware they have the virus, while others experience more serious symptoms.

"A portion of people go on to develop flu-like illness called non-neurological syndrome so headache, fever, muscle aches, and potentially some stomach upset," he says. "The final category and the most serious is the neurological syndrome where people can develop a brain infection, paralysis, and in rare cases even death."

Cabaj says the advisory was issued as a precautionary measure.

"Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services and the public health agency of Canada do surveillance of mosquitoes on birds and horses and monitor for any human cases and at this point we haven't seen any, there hasn't been any West Nile virus circulating for the last several years but we can never predict which years it's going to return."

Cabaj adds the best way Albertans can avoid the virus is to wear long-sleeved, light-coloured shirts, pants, a hat, and to use bug spray with DEET.

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email us at news@okotoksonline.com