Nova Scotia on the Lookout for West Nile Virus

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

West Nile virus has never been detected in the Maritimes, but health officials are taking precautionary measures. They are also developing a response plan after the virus appeared in the northeastern Unites States in 1999 and in Ontario during the summer of 2001.

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

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

Nova Scotia will be monitoring mosquito and bird populations and testing for the virus. Physicians in the province will also be receiving information on recognizing and reporting the disease.

"We are asking the public to watch for dead crows, blue jays or ravens and to report them to the nearest field office of the Department of Natural Resources," said Dr. Baikie. "The Department of Natural Resources will track these reports and may arrange to collect and test the dead birds depending on the circumstances. Meanwhile, I encourage the public to use a common- sense approach to mosquito control this spring and summer."

Precautions include trying to eliminate stagnant water sources around homes, wearing mosquito repellent and dressing appropriately at the time of day when mosquitoes are most active. Stagnant water may serve as a breeding area for mosquitoes.

Fact sheets on West Nile Virus can be found on the Department of Health Web site, at www.gov.ns.ca/health/westnile/wnile.htm