First Probable Human Case of West Nile Virus in Nova Scotia Linked to Travel
HEALTH--First Probable Human Case of West Nile Virus in Nova Scotia Linked to Travel
Health officials announced today, Aug. 21, that a man from the Capital Health District has the province's first probable human case of West Nile virus. It is believed that he became infected during recent travel to an area of the United States where there are human cases.
"Preliminary test results were positive, but final test results to confirm West Nile virus won't be available for a few weeks," said Dr. Maureen Baikie, associate medical officer of health for the province. "The individual went to outpatients with neurological symptoms, has been treated on an outpatient basis, and is doing very well."
Dr. Baikie said that this case poses no health risk to Nova Scotians. West Nile virus cannot be transmitted from person to person, other than through the blood system. The individual is not a recent blood donor, and Canadian Blood Services has safeguards in place to protect the blood system.
"This probable case shows that our human surveillance system is working," said Dr. Baikie. "We have seen no West Nile virus activity in the province despite extensive testing. That fact, combined with the person's recent travel history to an area with West Nile virus activity, makes us confident that the disease was acquired outside of the province."
West Nile virus is spread to people through bites from mosquitoes that carry the virus. Nova Scotia travellers should check on West Nile virus activity in areas that they are travelling through or to. In areas where there are positive birds, mosquito pools or human cases, people should reduce the risk of mosquito bites by wearing loose fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible, and using insect repellant containing DEET according to the instructions on the bottle.
Physicians across the province have been informed of the symptoms of West Nile virus and are required to report any suspected cases of human infection. Anyone who demonstrates the more severe symptoms of the disease -- which include a severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, muscle weakness and neurological symptoms -- should seek medical attention.
The public is urged to continue reporting dead crows, blue jays and ravens to local offices of the Department of Natural Resources. Staff can then determine whether the bird is suitable for West Nile virus testing. More than 600 birds have been tested for the virus so far this season.
Information on West Nile virus and prevention is available on the Department of Health Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/health . Information on West Nile virus activity throughout Canada can be found at Health Canada's Web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/westnile/index.html. Information on the virus in the United States can be found at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.