WEST NILE VIRUS FOUND IN A SASKATCHEWAN PERSON

The first Canadian with a confirmed West Nile Virus infection this year is a Saskatchewan person from the Assiniboia area. The infected individual is healthy, and has not exhibited any symptoms of the disease.

Canadian Blood Services detected the virus after the person gave blood at a clinic on July 22nd. As part of Canadian Blood Services' new screening program for the virus, a sample of the person's blood was tested on July 23rd. The result of the screening test came back positive on July 24th and the unit of blood was withdrawn from the inventory prior to entering the distribution system. A supplementary test conducted by Canadian Blood Services today also came back positive.

West Nile Virus has been detected in 35 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces, so the virus is circulating throughout much of North America. Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus will not become sick.

"We knew it was only a matter of time before someone in Saskatchewan became infected," Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Ross Findlater said. "We are entering a period where there are more of the mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus. The risk to individuals is still low, but increasing."

"The mainstay of West Nile Virus personal protection continues to be the application of appropriate mosquito repellents, and wearing appropriate clothing especially at dawn and dusk," Medical Health Officer for the Five Hills Health Region Dr. Mark Vooght said. "It's important to eliminate mosquito breeding-sites on your property."

Municipalities are working with health authorities on mosquito control initiatives that 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.

There is also a provincial public education campaign underway. 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)

In Saskatchewan, as of 5pm July 25th, 2003, 24 birds have tested positive for West Nile Virus, across the southern half of the province, and as far north as Prince Albert. Three have been found in the Five Hills Health Region. A horse from the Estevan area has also tested positive for the disease.

Last year in Canada there were 329 confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus, and 87 probable cases, none in Saskatchewan.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083 Cell: (306)537-3593	Dr. Mark Vooght, Medical Health Officer Five Hills Health Region Moose Jaw Phone: (306)691-6423
Derek Mellon Canadian Blood Services Ottawa Phone: (613)260-6845