Travel-related Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed

Health officials confirmed today, Aug. 8, that the first probable human case of West Nile virus in the province this year is suspected to be travel-related.

It is believed that a Nova Scotia resident became infected in July with the virus after spending time in Manitoba and Ontario.

"We have seen no West Nile virus activity in the province despite extensive testing," said Dr. Jeff Scott, the province's chief medical officer of health. "This fact, combined with the person's recent travel history to an area with West Nile virus activity and clinical history makes us confident that the disease was acquired outside of the province."

The resident has been hospitalized at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. Nova Scotia has reported this case to Health Canada and is providing relevant information to other provincial public health authorities.

"Our surveillance system has been operating since early July, however we still have no positive birds or positive mosquitoes in the province," said Dr. Scott. "In the past, we have started to detect West Nile virus in birds in Nova Scotia in mid-August."

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

He said the human health risk associated with West Nile virus is very low.

The virus is spread to humans by mosquito bites. Nova Scotians can protect themselves against bites from mosquitoes 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 container.

"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.

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, 120 birds have been tested for the virus this season.

Information on West Nile virus is available by following the public health link on the Department of Health website at www.gov.ns.ca/health or at Health Canada's website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/westnile/index.html .