Nova Scotia Prepares For West Nile Virus Season

As many Nova Scotians look forward to summer vacations, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff are preparing to spend another season collecting and testing mosquitoes and dead birds for West Nile virus. While some bird testing has already taken place, DNR will begin actively collecting reported dead birds beginning on Monday, June 21.

This surveillance work, called West Nile Virus Watch, is part of the province's 2004 West Nile Virus Action Plan. The plan includes looking for West Nile virus in people, birds, horses and mosquitoes. Information will be available for Nova Scotians to explain how to lower the number of mosquitoes in their yards, and how to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites. Canadian Blood Services will continue to help protect the blood supply.

"Each summer, we take steps to protect ourselves from the sun's UV rays, and we need to start thinking about protecting ourselves from West Nile virus in much the same way," said Health Minister Angus MacIsaac. "It is important that we continue to prepare for possible human cases this year. We all need to take steps to prevent human cases from happening -- including making our yards less attractive to mosquitoes and avoiding mosquito bites."

During the 2003 season, there were 17 West Nile virus positive birds, one positive horse and two Nova Scotians who became infected with the virus while travelling out of province. More than 1,300 people throughout Canada became ill from the virus.

"The public should report any dead crows, ravens, blue jays or grey jays to their local Natural Resources office," said Richard Hurlburt, Minister of Natural Resources. "We will collect a sample of these birds for testing to determine the prevalence and distribution of West Nile virus in the province. When West Nile activity has been identified in an area, we will monitor and test the mosquito populations for the virus."

A provincial working group -- consisting of experts in birds, mosquitoes, animals and human health -- is responsible for carrying out the action plan and is responsible for ongoing assessment of the risk of West Nile virus to Nova Scotians.

"While we haven't seen a lot of West Nile virus activity in Nova Scotia over the past few years, we know that human cases in the province are always a possibility. For that reason, we will remain vigilant in our response and we advise people to incorporate mosquito reduction and prevention tips into their regular summer activities," said Dr. Maureen Baikie, associate provincial medical officer of health. "Surveillance, information for health-care professionals and the public, and prevention of mosquito bites and mosquito breeding are key factors in reducing the risk to Nova Scotians."

In addition to West Nile Virus Watch, the 2004 West Nile Virus Action Plan includes a public information campaign, information for health professionals, provincial diagnostic testing for human illness, co-operation with Canadian Blood Services, and mosquito avoidance and reduction. Highlights of the plan are located on the Department of Health website at www.gov.ns.ca/health/opmoh .

A toll-free information line (1-800-430-9557) for health questions is also available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Updates on West Nile virus will be made available through the media as necessary throughout the virus season.