Second Travel-related Human Case Of West Nile Virus Confirmed

HEALTH--Second Travel-related Human Case Of West Nile Virus Confirmed

Health officials confirmed today, Oct. 20, that the second human case of West Nile virus in the province is suspected to be travel-related.

It is believed that a woman from Antigonish County became infected with the virus after spending time in Saskatchewan, where there are approximately 693 probable and 38 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus.

"We're quite confident that this person wasn't infected in Nova Scotia," said Dr. Maureen Baikie, associate medical officer of health for the province. "We've had no West Nile virus activity in Antigonish County, and this person didn't travel to any areas where we have had infected birds."

Dr. Baikie said the woman became ill with West Nile fever after her return from Saskatchewan, but has recovered fully. She did not need to be hospitalized.

In addition to the second human case, two more birds have been confirmed West Nile virus-positive. The birds are an American crow found in Barton, Digby Co., and an American crow found in Yarmouth, Yarmouth Co. This is the first infected bird in each county.

"Despite positive birds, we still have no positive mosquitoes in the province," said Dr. Baikie. "We may continue to see positive birds for the next few weeks, but the colder autumn temperatures are reducing the likelihood of positive mosquitoes."

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. To date, 871 birds have been tested for the virus 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 .