West Nile Virus-positive Bird Confirmed in Annapolis

HEALTH--West Nile Virus-positive Bird Confirmed in Annapolis County

Health officials confirmed today, Sept. 18, that an American crow found in Wilmot, Annapolis Co. has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first bird in Annapolis County to test positive for the virus this year. There have been six positive birds in Kings County and one in Shelburne County.

"Wilmot is quite close to Kingston, where we have had several West Nile virus-positive birds, so it doesn't surprise me to see a positive bird in that area," said Dr. Maureen Baikie, associate medical officer of health for the province. "We collected mosquitoes in the Kingston area this week to be sent for testing in Winnipeg, but we haven't received the results."

"I'm still hopeful that since the days are getting colder and shorter, West Nile virus illness won't be a problem for us this year," said Dr. Baikie. "However, we won't be surprised to still see more positive birds."

Dr. Baikie said the province will continue to monitor for the virus in people, birds, mosquito pools, and horses.

The virus is spread to humans by mosquito bites. While colder temperatures should reduce mosquito numbers and therefore lower the risk of West Nile virus, it is still important for Nova Scotians to protect themselves against bites from mosquitoes that carry the virus, especially in areas where dead birds have been confirmed to have 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. Baikie 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," she said. Anyone who demonstrates the more severe symptoms of the disease -

• which include a severe headache, high fever, stiff neck and muscle soreness -- 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 testing. More than 770 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 .