News release

West Nile Virus Precautions Recommended

Health Promotion and Protection (March 2006 - Jan. 2011)
Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Simple measures, like wearing light-coloured clothing and applying insect repellant that contains DEET, can reduce the risk of mosquito bites -- and infection from West Nile virus.

"Although there has not been a lot of West Nile virus activity in Nova Scotia in recent years, precautions are always wise," said Dr. Shelly Sarwal, medical officer of health at the Department of Health Promotion and Protection.

West Nile virus infection is caused by a bite from a mosquito that carries the virus. While most infected people will have no symptoms and the risk of becoming sick from the virus is low, the virus can cause serious illness in some cases.

The Department of Health Promotion and Protection is once again partnering with the Department of Natural Resources, the Canadian Co-operative Wildlife Health Centre in Charlottetown, P.E.I., Canadian Blood Services and others in a public information and surveillance program.

"We track the virus each year to watch for new trends and possible risk for infection," said Dr. Sarwal. "We also remind health-care professionals to watch for tell-tale symptoms of West Nile virus. And we remind the public that they can do little things to help reduce their risk, like removing standing water from pool covers, lawn furniture or recycling bins so their yards are less inviting to mosquitoes."

As part of this year's program, the Department of Natural Resources will again collect dead crows, ravens, blue jays and grey jays. The birds are tested for West Nile virus at the Canadian Co-operative Wildlife Health Centre to help determine what the risk is for infection with West Nile virus.

"To help us with that testing, we ask people to report sightings of dead birds to their local Department of Natural Resources office," said Julie Towers, the department's director of wildlife. "Our staff can determine if the dead birds are suitable for West Nile virus testing and can help ensure that other dead birds are safely disposed of."

In 2006, 117 dead birds were tested for West Nile virus. All tested negative.

Information on West Nile Virus is available on the Department of Health Promotion and Protection website at www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/ocmoh/wnile.htm and at local public health offices across the province.

Updates on West Nile virus activity in Nova Scotia will be available on the website as required throughout the virus season.