Provinces Work Together Again 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 West Nile virus appeared in the northeastern Unites States in 1999.

“Symptoms are usually mild and most people will not realize they have been infected,” said Dr. Maureen Baikie, Nova Scotia’s associate medical officer of health. “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 giving it to humans. The risk of this virus spreading to the Maritime provinces is unknown.

The public are being asked to watch for dead crows, blue jays or ravens and report them to the nearest field office of the Department of Natural Resources, who will track these reports and may arrange to collect and test the dead birds, depending on the circumstances.

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

“Meanwhile, I encourage the public to use a common-sense approach to protect themselves against mosquito bites, which includes efforts to eliminate stagnant water sources around homes that are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.”

The Nova Scotia Department of Health Web site has more information about the West Nile Virus at http://www.gov.ns.ca/health .