One West Nile-postive Bird Confirmed in Nova Scotia

Health officials confirmed today, Aug. 30, that a bird found in Kingston has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first bird in Nova Scotia to test positive for West Nile virus this year. Another bird from the Valley area is being tested and results are expected next week.

"Test results from the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island confirm that this is a positive case of West Nile virus in this bird," said Dr. Jeff Scott, chief medical officer of health for the province. The blue jay, which tested positive, was found in Kingston and the American crow currently being tested was found in Grand Pre. The birds were collected as part of the ongoing provincial surveillance program for the virus.

"We are not surprised to see some positive birds in Nova Scotia, especially at this time of the year," said Dr. Scott. "We had four positive birds in the province last summer, beginning in late August. We expected to see more this year."

West Nile virus is spread to people through bites from mosquitoes that carry the virus. It is possible to reduce the risk of mosquito bites by eliminating mosquito breeding sites, wearing loose fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible and by using insect repellant containing DEET according to the instructions on the bottle.

Dr. Scott said the human health risk associated with West Nile virus is very low. "Most people infected with the virus will have no symptoms. Others may have mild symptoms, and only a very small number of people will develop more severe symptoms," he said.

Physicians across the province have been informed of the symptoms of the virus and are required to report any suspected cases of human infection. A travel-related probable human case was announced earlier this month in the province, but has not yet been confirmed. 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.

The province has been tracking the virus in birds, mosquitoes and people since May 2003.

While horses are susceptible to the virus, West Nile virus illness in household pets, such as dogs and cats, is rare. Repellant containing DEET should not be used on house pets since they tend to lick their fur and can become sick from ingesting the repellant.

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 testing. More than 650 birds have been tested for the virus so far this season.

Information on West Nile virus is available on the Department of Health Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/health or at Health Canada’s Web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/westnile/index.html .