Provinces Working Together to Detect West Nile Virus

Health officials in the Maritime provinces are working with Health Canada to ensure early detection of the West Nile virus in the region.

The West Nile virus has never been detected in Canada but health officials are taking precautionary measures and are developing a response plan after an outbreak of the virus appeared in New York last summer.

"Symptoms are usually mild and most people will not realize they have been infected," said Dr. Maureen Baikie, Nova Scotia's associate medical health officer. "However, persons who demonstrate the more severe symptoms of the disease, which include a severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, and muscle weakness, should seek medical attention."

Mosquitoes transmit the West Nile virus by feeding on infected birds and then give it to humans. The risk of this virus spreading to the Maritime provinces is unknown.

"We will be monitoring mosquito and bird populations and testing for the virus. Physicians will also be receiving information on recognizing and reporting the disease," said Dr. Baikie. "We will be keeping the public informed as this process continues."

"Meanwhile, I encourage the public to use a commonsense approach to protect themselves against mosquito bites. As well, people should try to eliminate stagnant water sources around their homes that are breeding grounds for mosquitoes."

NOTE TO EDITORS: Background information on the West Nile virus is available on the Health Canada website www.hc-sc.gc.ca