GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES 2005 WEST NILE VIRUS STRATEGY

Saskatchewan Health is once again gearing up for West Nile Virus by continuing a strategy that includes surveillance, mosquito control and public awareness.

West Nile Virus remains a focus in the province, even though the 2004 human case numbers were dramatically less than in 2003. There were five human cases last year, but all five were the less serious form of the disease known as West Nile Fever. In 2003, 947 human cases were reported, including 63 cases of the most serious form of the disease known as West Nile Neurological Syndrome.

"The risk of West Nile Virus is something Saskatchewan people will have to consider again this summer, particularly in July and August," Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Ross Findlater said. "Our strategy is to continue our efforts to decrease human risk of West Nile disease through mosquito control measures and public awareness. We want to again ensure Saskatchewan people know the steps they can take to protect themselves."

Protective measures include wearing light-coloured, long sleeved shirts or jackets and long pants and socks; wearing insect repellent consistently; and decreasing time outside when mosquitoes are most active, particularly at dawn/early morning and in the evening.

The overall funding for the West Nile Virus Strategy is $1.45 million, and will be used to cover surveillance efforts, mosquito control funding to municipalities and public awareness.

Entomologist Phil Curry will again serve as the provincial West Nile Virus coordinator for Saskatchewan. This year his expertise is also being shared with Manitoba. Curry will oversee surveillance of West Nile infection in birds and mosquitoes, and will coordinate mosquito control activities.

Surveillance and testing of dead corvid birds (crows, ravens, magpies, blue and grey jays) begins May 15th. A more targeted approach to bird surveillance is being implemented this year, with only the following cities collecting dead birds for testing: Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Swift Current, North Battleford, Melfort and Estevan.

"We fully expect to see West Nile Virus activity in the province this summer," Findlater said. "It is, however, difficult to predict the level of activity since so much is dependent upon a number of factors, including spring and summer weather patterns, mosquito timing and abundance, among others. We had five human cases last year, which was a cool, wet summer, and almost 950 cases the year before when we experienced a hot, dry summer. Our strategy builds on what we've learned over the past two years. "

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083