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FIRST HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS IN SASKATCHEWAN

Released on August 16, 2006

The first human case of West Nile Virus infection in Saskatchewan has been confirmed. The infected individual is in the Saskatoon Health Region and was detected by the Canadian Blood Services through routine screening of donated blood.

There is also one probable case under investigation in the Sun Country Health Region.

"We have been expecting to see some human cases by this point in the summer," Saskatchewan's Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Huiming Yang said. "We have had a very warm summer which provides optimal conditions for the Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the species that carries the West Nile Virus"

Mid August is typically the highest risk period for West Nile Virus. Health officials continue to urge people to take precautions. The mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and evening so people should use mosquito repellent, wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes and make sure doors and window screens fit tightly.

West Nile Virus information, including the latest surveillance results are available on Saskatchewan Health's website at www.health.gov.sk.ca/rr_wnv_testresults.html.

NOTE TO EDITORS: SASKATCHEWAN'S DEPUTY CHIEF MEDICAL HEALTH OFFICER DR. HUIMING YANG AND WEST NILE VIRUS COORDINATOR PHIL CURRY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT TODAY, AUGUST 16TH, 10:00 A.M. AT THE T.C. DOUGLAS BUILDING, 3475 ALBERT STREET, REGINA.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-4083

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