Initial Test On Bird Positive For West Nile Virus
Health officials suspect a bird found in Dartmouth is positive for the West Nile Virus.
"Test results from the Health Canada lab in Winnipeg indicate this is a presumptive positive case of West Nile Virus," said Dr. Maureen Baikie, associate medical officer of health for the province. "A presumptive positive result means we need a further test to confirm if the bird is infected with West Nile Virus."
The blue jay was collected as part of the ongoing provincial surveillance program for the virus.
"The public should not be alarmed by this news," said Dr. Baikie. "We have said we would not be surprised to see the virus here at some point, and given the activity across the rest of Canada and the Northeastern United States, it was reasonable to assume that we would see West Nile Virus someday."
"The health risk associated with West Nile Virus is extremely low. The virus causes only mild symptoms in most people, with only a very small number of people developing more severe symptoms," she said.
The Department of Health has been working with other government departments and a number of health experts in Nova Scotia on an action plan to deal with the virus in the event it showed up in the province.
"The first step was surveillance," said Dr. Baikie. "We've been watching for it and we've found it. We also have a response plan if the virus is detected and the first step is to continue looking for the virus and reassuring the public about the low health risk of West Nile Virus."
"Awareness is the key for now," she said. "There are steps we can take to reduce our exposure to mosquitos and I want to emphasize that even if the virus is present, the chances of becoming infected are extremely low. And even if infected, the chances of developing serious symptoms are still extremely low."
If people are worried, there are some simple precautions to take. For example: eliminating stagnant water sources around homes where mosquitoes can breed, wearing repellent to help avoid mosquito bites and staying indoors when mosquitos are most active. Information on West Nile Virus is available on the Health Canada Web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/wnv-vwn .
The public is urged to continue assisting the province in watching out for West Nile Virus by reporting dead crows, blue jays and ravens to the Department of Natural Resources.
Physicians across the province have also been informed of the symptoms of the virus and are asked to report any suspected cases of human infection.
Symptoms are usually mild and most people will not realize they have been infected. 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.