B.C. Health Officials Launch Mosquito Surveillance in Sea-to-Sky Area

VANCOUVER — In a proactive response to recent cases of mosquito-borne illnesses, health officials in British Columbia have initiated a pilot project involving the deployment of mosquito traps across the Sea-to-Sky region. This initiative, spearheaded by Vancouver Coastal Health, aims to better understand the local mosquito population and the potential health risks these insects may pose to residents and visitors alike.

The project comes in light of four reported cases of severe mosquito-borne illnesses last year, which resulted in significant neurological complications, including swelling of the brain. Dr. Moliehi Khaketla, the medical health officer for Vancouver Coastal Health, noted that these cases, while not unprecedented in British Columbia, were unusual due to their severity. "This prompted us to study further, just to see and better characterize what is happening within the Sea-to-Sky area," Dr. Khaketla stated in an interview with The Canadian Press.

The affected individuals are believed to have contracted the illnesses in regions along Howe Sound and extending north to Whistler and Pemberton. Fortunately, all four patients have since recovered from their illnesses, which raises questions about the local mosquito population and the viruses they may harbor.

To aid in this investigation, traps have already been strategically placed throughout the region. This three-month pilot project seeks to shed light on the variety of mosquito species present and the specific viruses they might be carrying. According to Dr. Khaketla, the findings will help health officials assess the level of risk to the public, particularly during the summer months when mosquito activity typically intensifies.

The mosquito-borne illnesses in question are linked to the California Serogroup viruses. While these viruses generally do not present symptoms, when they do, they can manifest as flu-like conditions including fever, headache, fatigue, and occasionally nausea or vomiting. As the health authority highlighted, cases of such illnesses predominantly occur between May and October, coinciding with peak mosquito activity; however, this timeframe may extend due to increasing temperatures associated with climate change.

Health officials are urging residents and visitors in the Sea-to-Sky region to take preventive measures against mosquito bites. These recommendations include wearing protective clothing and eliminating standing water around residential areas to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Dr. Khaketla emphasized the importance of public awareness, stating, "We wanted people to be aware of the mosquito circulation within the Sea-to-Sky area, as it is summer months, we expect mosquitoes to circulate."

The collaboration for this surveillance project includes partnerships from the Lil'wat Nation and Squamish Nations, as well as the University of British Columbia and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. The collective effort underscores a growing recognition of the intersection between environmental factors, public health, and indigenous knowledge in addressing health risks associated with climate change.

As this study unfolds, health officials remain vigilant and committed to monitoring not only the mosquito population but also the implications for public health amid evolving environmental conditions. The outcomes of this pilot project may inform future public health strategies and policies aimed at managing mosquito-borne diseases across the province.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 18, 2025.