Nova Scotia Prepares For West Nile Virus Season

The province has developed a plan that will keep the public up to date on West Nile virus in Nova Scotia.

The West Nile Virus Action Plan, released today, May 8, will track incidences of the illness, provide information for the public and for health professionals, allow diagnostic testing closer to home, help protect the blood supply and reduce mosquito populations.

There have been no human cases of West Nile virus in the province, but the virus was found in four birds in the summer of 2002.

West Nile virus infection is caused by a bite from a mosquito that carries the virus. While most infected people will have no symptoms, it is possible for the virus to cause serious illness.

"For most people, we know that the risk of becoming sick from West Nile virus is very low," said Health Minister Jane Purves. "However, this is a serious health issue and we are taking the necessary steps to reduce the risk to Nova Scotians."

A provincial working group was established in 2000 to follow development of West Nile virus in other parts of North America and to develop response plans for Nova Scotia. The group consists of experts in birds, mosquitoes, animals and human health. The group will put the plan in action and is responsible for ongoing assessment of the risk of West Nile virus to Nova Scotians.

"Until we see infected birds, the risk of human cases in the province is extremely low," said Dr. Maureen Baikie, associate medical officer of health for the province. "Surveillance, information for health-care professionals and the public, and prevention of mosquito bites and mosquito breeding are key factors in reducing the risk to Nova Scotians."

The action plan includes:

• West Nile Virus Watch: This surveillance program will be carried out throughout the summer in co-operation with the Department of Natural Resources. Department staff will begin on May 20 to collect some dead crows, blue jays and ravens to be tested for West Nile virus. Dead birds can be reported to local offices of the Department of Natural Resources during regular business hours, or via the toll-free line at 1-800-565-1633 after hours. Staff will assess whether the bird can be used for testing and will explain how to safely dispose of the bird if it can't be tested. The Department of Health will work with physicians on any suspected cases involving humans.

• Public Information Campaign: Part of a larger Enjoy the Outdoors Safely initiative, public information efforts will help make Nova Scotians aware of West Nile virus, Lyme disease and rabies. The West Nile portion will include a poster, brochure and fact sheets, a new, easy-to-navigate West Nile virus section on the existing Department of Health Web site, and a toll-free information line for the public.

• Information for Health Professionals: This information will note the status of West Nile virus and will explain the process of reporting human cases. The Department of Health is also arranging information sessions with health-care professionals throughout the province to explain signs and symptoms of the virus, diagnostic testing and treatment.

• Provincial Diagnostic Testing for Human Illness: Initial testing will now take place in Halifax, rather than at Health Canada's national microbiology laboratory in Winnipeg, to ensure prompt diagnosis. If confirmation tests are required they will still be conducted at the lab in Winnipeg.

• Co-operation With Canadian Blood Services: Canadian Blood Services (CBS) will be immediately notified of West Nile virus activity in the province so that CBS staff can quickly assess risk to the blood supply and take appropriate action. CBS will also notify the Department of Health if the virus is detected in donors.

• Mosquito Control: Control initiatives will include avoidance, personal protection from bites, and reduction of mosquito breeding grounds such as gutters, empty containers and pool covers. Tips for the public on these forms of mosquito control will be included in information materials and posted on the Web site. Decisions around further mosquito control will be based on ongoing assessment of West Nile activity in the province, health risks, and a number of other factors.

Additional information -- including a chart that indicates the number of positive bird, mosquito and human cases in the province

• will be added to the Department of Health Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/health during the next three weeks.

A toll-free information line (1-800-430-9557) for health questions is also available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m beginning Monday, May 12.

Updates on West Nile virus will be made available through the media as necessary.