Province Continues Surveillance for West Nile Virus

Health officials have confirmed that a blue jay found in Dartmouth is positive for the West Nile Virus. A second bird, a crow found in Kingston on Aug. 26, is presumed to be positive for the virus. Another test is required to confirm the results.

Dr. Jeff Scott, Nova Scotia's Medical Officer of Health, said he is not surprised to find the virus here given the activity across the rest of Canada and the northeastern United States.

"I recognize that some people may be concerned by a second report, but it does not change the fact that the risk of infection remains very low here in Nova Scotia. People should not be alarmed."

He said that the virus causes only mild symptoms in most people, and that even if someone is infected, the chances of developing serious symptoms are still extremely low.

The birds were collected as part of the ongoing provincial surveillance program for the virus. 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. Over 200 birds from Nova Scotia have been sent for testing since the beginning of the season.

"This is further proof that our surveillance system is working," said Dr. Scott. "The good news is that our mosquito season is nearing an end, however we will continue to enhance our surveillance to help provide us with more information to be prepared for the virus next year."

If people are still concerned about the virus, there are some simple steps they can take to reduce exposure to mosquitoes. These include eliminating stagnant water sources around homes where mosquitoes can breed, wearing repellent to help avoid mosquito bites and staying indoors when mosquitoes 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, anyone who demonstrates the more severe symptoms of the disease -- which include a severe headache, high fever, stiff neck and muscle weakness -- should seek medical attention.