PREVENTIVE MEASURES REDUCE WEST NILE RISK

Released on August 6, 2002

The province's Chief Medical Health Officer is advising residents that

preventive actions can minimize the risk of contracting West Nile Virus.



Initial test results indicate that West Nile Virus has not entered

Saskatchewan. As of July 31st, 64 birds have been submitted for testing

through the province's surveillance program. Of these, 25 have tested

negative, 22 have results pending, and 17 are in transit or are untestable.



The public will be informed if and when the virus is detected in

Saskatchewan. To date, West Nile has been found in Ontario, Quebec and

Manitoba, including Russell, Manitoba near the Saskatchewan border.



Saskatchewan Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Ross Findlater said that the

detection in Russell makes it likely the virus will soon be found in this

province. He also said that the threat of human infection remains low.



"Most people, if bitten by an infected mosquito, will not become seriously

ill," Findlater said. "Those who develop illness generally experience mild

to moderate symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and sometimes a

rash. Many will probably not even know they are ill and will get better on

their own."



In some cases, however, the virus can cause encephalitis, an inflammation

of the brain that may lead to death. This severe illness would most likely

occur among the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.



There have been no human cases of West Nile Virus in Canada. People can,

however, take the following preventative measures to minimize the

opportunity for mosquito bites:



wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, as well as insect

repellant (insect repellant containing DEET is the most

effective, but be sure to follow directions for use,

especially with respect to young children);



minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when

mosquitoes are most active;





check that all windows and doors in homes are tight-fitting

and properly screened; and



remove standing water from properties to discourage

mosquito breeding grounds. Bird baths and ponds should be

emptied twice weekly to kill mosquito eggs and larvae.



Findlater said that ongoing surveillance efforts are being enhanced in the

east central and southeastern areas of the province. Efforts are focussed

on finding and testing dead birds such as crows, magpies, ravens and blue

jays, as studies show that deaths in these birds are the best early warning

for the presence of West Nile.



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For more information, contact:



Myrna Stark Leader

Health

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-4083