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NLIS 1
May 25, 2001
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)
(Health and Community Services)



Newfoundland and Labrador participating in
national West Nile Virus surveillance program for second year

The provincial departments of Health and Community Services and Forest Resources and Agrifoods have joined with other governments and national and international organizations once again this year in launching a coordinated surveillance effort to monitor for the presence of the West Nile Virus during the upcoming mosquito season. Monitoring efforts in the summer of 2000 showed that the virus had moved northwards to the southern borders of Ontario and Quebec. 

The disease is spread by mosquitos and most commonly causes illness in birds that are bitten by mosquitoes. The West Nile Virus can be transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito which has become infected with the virus. Though the appropriate mosquito species do exist in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces, it is thought at this time that we do not have these species in Newfoundland and Labrador.

According to Dr. Hugh Whitney, provincial veterinarian, it is unlikely that the virus will be found in this province. "As part of our surveillance efforts this summer, we will be further examining the species and distribution of mosquitoes in this province, as well as examining carcasses of those bird species most affected by this disease," said Dr. Whitney. Dr. Whitney advises anyone seeing sick or dead crows, ravens, bluejays or gray jays to report it to their local conservation officer (Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods), environmental health inspector (Government Services Centre) or the office of the provincial veterinarian at (709) 729-6879.

Dr. Faith Stratton, chief medical officer of health, said the surveillance program is simply a precautionary measure in which the province is only too willing to participate. "The risk of West Nile Virus infections occurring in this province is believed to be low. However, if people are concerned, they should 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." 

Media contact:

Dr. Hugh Whitney, Forest Resources and Agrifoods, (709) 729-6879
Karen McCarthy, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-2788

2001 05 25                                                          9:50 a.m.


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