12 NEW PROBABLE WEST NILE CASES; CROW COLLECTION SCALING BACK

There are 12 new probable human cases of clinical illness due to West Nile Virus in Saskatchewan. Three people are in hospital (one each in the Cypress and Sun Country regional health authorities with West Nile Neurological Syndrome and one in Heartland with West Nile Fever); the rest are presenting the milder symptoms of probable West Nile Fever.

The infections are spread throughout the southern and central areas of the province in the regional health authorities of Heartland (3), Five Hills (3), Sun Country (2), Cypress (2), Regina Qu'Appelle (1), and Prairie North (1).

This brings the total number of probable and confirmed incidences of West Nile Virus in Saskatchewan to 28.

"The next three weeks are a critical time for Saskatchewan residents to protect themselves from being bitten by a mosquito," Saskatchewan's Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Eric Young said. "Although there are still generally low numbers of mosquitoes across the province, we are seeing higher proportions of those that can carry the disease."

West Nile Neurological Syndrome is the more serious form of the disease, affecting five cases in Saskatchewan.

With the next three weeks expected to bring increased risk of West Nile Virus, Saskatchewan Health is doing more public education.

In co-operation with Saskatchewan Learning, the provincial West Nile Virus brochure is being sent to every elementary and high school in Saskatchewan for distribution after the Labour Day long-weekend. Students will be asked to share it with family and friends.

The brochure contains information about West Nile Virus such as who is at risk, what are the symptoms, and what people can do to protect themselves.

In addition, a radio advertising campaign is telling people about the measures they can take to help in the fight against West Nile Virus.

So far, 127 birds from around the southern half of the province have tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is enough to tell officials that the disease is circulating in that part of Saskatchewan. Therefore, dead birds of the crow family such as crows, magpies, jays and ravens, will only be collected in the three northern health regions. Attention will now be focused on more mosquito surveillance.

*Please see detailed chart for results by health region.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: 787-4083 Email: mrathwell Cell: 537-3593