TWO NEW CASES OF WEST NILE VIRUS

There are two new human cases of West Nile Virus being reported this week, bringing the total number this year to seven. One individual is from the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region and one is from the Sun Country Health Region. Both cases fit the West Nile Fever description, rather than the more severe West Nile Neurological Syndrome.

"A colder than average summer has resulted in few cases of West Nile Virus in people," Saskatchewan Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Ross Findlater said. "The virus is present in mosquitoes in the central and southern parts of the province, however, and there will still be a risk of transmission during warm days in September if mosquitoes are active."

Dr. Findlater reminds Saskatchewan people to take precautions when outdoors if mosquitoes are around by wearing long-sleeved shirts or jackets and long pants, and using insect repellent.

Saskatchewan Health is continuing to use mosquito surveillance throughout the rest of summer to learn more about the risks of West Nile Virus to humans, but is no longer collecting and testing birds from the corvid family (blue jays, gray jays, magpies, ravens and crows), as of September 1st, 2004.

"Corvids are an important part of our West Nile Virus surveillance," Findlater said. "They are highly susceptible to West Nile Virus and this makes them an excellent early indicator that the disease is present in an area. We want to thank the public again this year for their contribution to our bird surveillance by reporting dead corvids to their municipalities."

To date, 29 birds have tested positive for West Nile Virus. Nine are from Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region, nine from Saskatoon Health Region, seven from Prince Albert Parkland Health Region, two from Five Hills Health Region, and one each from Kelsey Trail and Sunrise Health Regions.

All 2004 surveillance results will be updated and posted on the Saskatchewan Health website every Thursday.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083