NLIS 7
May 9, 2000
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)
(Health and Community Services)

Newfoundland and Labrador participating in
national West Nile Virus surveillance program

The provincial departments of Health and Community Services and Forest Resources and Agrifoods have joined Health Canada, other provincial Ministries of Health, and national and international organizations in launching a coordinated surveillance effort to monitor for the presence of the West Nile Virus during the upcoming mosquito season. There is currently no evidence of West Nile Virus in Canada.

The West Nile Virus can be transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito which has become infected with the virus by feeding on an infected bird. An outbreak in the New York City area last summer has prompted health officials in Canada and the United States to increase surveillance in an effort to detect any potential signs of the virus as early as possible.

According to Dr. Hugh Whitney, provincial veterinarian, it is unlikely that the virus will be found in this province. "Newfoundland and Labrador is not on the main migratory path of the birds associated with this virus, and to the best of our knowledge, the province is not home to the types of mosquitoes which have been identified with it. The surveillance program is simply a precautionary measure, and we are only too willing as a province to participate."

In the meantime, Dr. Whitney encourages people to report any unusual death or illnesses in wild birds, particularly of the crow family (crows, ravens, blue jays, gray jays), to a local office of the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods. Local conservation officers will be monitoring the situation over the coming weeks.

"The recent die-off of seagulls, crows, ravens and starlings in the St. John�s area is not related to the West Nile Virus as a commercial insecticide has been identified as the cause of the death," said Dr. Whitney.

Dr. Faith Stratton, the province�s Chief Medical Officer of Health, advised that the risk of West Nile Virus infections occurring in this province is believed to be minimal. However, she says people who are concerned can reduce their exposure to mosquitos by staying out of areas where mosquitos are common, wearing protective clothing, or using insect repellant according to the product directions.

For further information please contact:
Dr. Hugh Whitney, Forest Resources and Agrifoods, (709) 729-6879.
Carl Cooper, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377.

2000 05 09                                      5:00 p.m.