West Nile Virus-positive Bird Confirmed in Upper Clements Park

HEALTH--West Nile Virus-positive Bird Confirmed in Upper Clements Park

Health officials confirmed today, Sept. 26, that an American crow found in Upper Clements Park, Annapolis Co. has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the second 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.

"Once again we're seeing a positive bird in an area that is relatively close to Kingston," said Dr. Maureen Baikie, associate medical officer of health for the province. "However, we have some good news in that mosquitoes from the area that were sent for testing aren't carrying the virus."

"The first pools of mosquitos sent for testing from the Kingston area have come back negative for West Nile Virus," said Jeff Ogden, field entomologist with the Department of Natural Resources. "We will continue to collect samples in the Annapolis Valley region for testing, but with the cooler evening weather we have seen a decrease in the number of mosquitos."

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, 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 repellent 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 780 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 .