Four More West Nile Virus-positive Birds Confirmed

Health officials confirmed today, Sept. 5, that four more birds have tested positive for West Nile virus in Nova Scotia. That brings the total to six confirmed birds with the West Nile virus this year.

"We are not surprised to see more positive birds in Nova Scotia this year," said Dr. Jeff Scott, chief medical officer of health for the province. "We had four positive birds in the province last summer, beginning in late August. We expected to see more this year."

Two crows were found in Kingston, where the first West Nile virus-positive bird was confirmed on Aug. 30. One blue jay was found in Shelburne and another crow was in Waterville. The birds were collected as part of the ongoing provincial surveillance program for the virus.

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 in August in Nova Scotia, 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.

"We still may get a human case this year, however, the days are getting cooler and shorter, and we're seeing fewer and fewer mosquitoes," said Dr. Scott.

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 680 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 .