WEST NILE VIRUS CONFIRMED IN SASKATCHEWAN BIRD

Test results have confirmed that a dead crow found in Regina was infected with the West Nile Virus.

"This is our first indication of West Nile Virus in Saskatchewan this year," Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Ross Findlater said. "We have been expecting the virus back in our province, especially since the confirmation last week of an infected bird in Manitoba."

Dr. Maurice Hennink, Deputy Medical Health Officer for the Regina Qu'Appelle Regional Health Authority, said the Region is continuing to monitor developments closely but sees no reason for alarm. "The chances for most people of actually becoming infected with West Nile are low," Hennink said. "If healthy people do become infected, they are unlikely to become seriously ill, although they may exhibit mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches and body aches."

"An occurrence of West Nile Virus in a bird was expected, since the virus was found in six dead birds in the City last year," the City of Regina's Supervisor of Pest Management Wade Morrow said. "The City is working hard to keep mosquito numbers low and has nearly doubled its efforts for 2003. We're also working closely with local health authorities as part of the Regina West Nile Virus Committee."

To date, 162 Saskatchewan birds from the corvid family (crows, magpies, ravens, blue and grey jays) have been tested, with 161 negative results, and one positive result in Regina. Last year, 44 birds across the province tested positive for West Nile Virus.

There have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus reported anywhere in Canada so far this year.

"With just one positive bird in the province, the risk of acquiring the virus from an infected mosquito is low," Findlater said. "However, now that the virus is here, we want to remind everyone to take appropriate measures such as using insect repellent and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds around the house and yard."

Public information about West Nile Virus is available at www.health.gov.sk.ca, and brochures and posters are currently being distributed to Regional Health Authorities around the province.

The public can help with surveillance by reporting dead birds from the corvid family to local municipal office staff during normal office hours. If there is no one available to collect the bird within 24 hours and it is in an area where it must be removed, it may be picked up with a shovel or gloved hands, securely bagged, and then either buried or taken to a landfill.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kevin Wishlow Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4088	Dr. Maurice Hennink Regina Qu'Appelle Regional Health Authority Regina Phone: (306)766-7772
Wade Morrow City of Regina Regina Phone: (306)777-7731