SASKATCHEWAN GOVERNMENT UNVEILS WEST NILE VIRUS STRATEGY FOR 2003

The key to reducing the threat of West Nile Virus in Saskatchewan will be enhanced surveillance, effective mosquito control, and public education and awareness.

West Nile Virus appeared in the province last year, and was confirmed in 44 birds and 30 horses. It is expected that the virus will be back in Saskatchewan this year, along with the likelihood of Saskatchewan's first human case of West Nile disease.

"Our main goal is to protect the health of Saskatchewan people," Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Ross Findlater said. "While we cannot eliminate the threat of West Nile Virus, we can take appropriate action to reduce the risk."

To reduce the risk, the West Nile Virus strategy for 2003 includes:

Enhanced surveillance: The province has provided $250,000 for enhanced surveillance efforts, including the hiring of an entomologist to serve as a West Nile Virus co-ordinator with Saskatchewan Health. The surveillance system will track West Nile Virus in chickens, birds from the corvid family (crows, ravens, magpies, blue and grey jays), mosquitoes and horses. Surveillance will officially begin on May 15th.

West Nile Virus is a reportable disease under the Public Health Act. In order to aid human surveillance of the virus, medical practitioners across the province will be reporting cases of West Nile disease to public health authorities.

Mosquito control: The province is providing $1.2 million in cost-shared funding to municipalities for mosquito control. Mosquito control activities may include public education, staff training, purchase of equipment and supplies, mapping of breeding sites, operation of mosquito traps, monitoring of programs, and larvacide application. Control of adult mosquitoes will be considered where there is a high risk of West Nile Virus disease in humans.

Personal protection: The province is spending $40,000 on a public education campaign that emphasizes personal protection measures such as using insect repellent, and residential source reduction activities such as eliminating mosquito breeding grounds around the house and yard. The campaign includes a brochure, poster and radio ad, and West Nile Virus informational material on the Saskatchewan Health website (www.health.gov.sk.ca).

Saskatchewan's West Nile Virus strategy is part of the ongoing efforts of the Provincial West Nile Virus Working Group. The group was established in 2000 to follow the development of West Nile Virus in North America and create a response plan for Saskatchewan. It consists of experts in birds, mosquitoes, animals and human health who are working together to ensure an effective and co-ordinated approach to protecting Saskatchewan people from West Nile Virus.

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For More Information, Contact:

Vanessa Gooliaff Beaupre Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083