MORE WEST NILE IN SASKATCHEWAN

Four cases identified as under investigation earlier this week have been found to be probable cases of West Nile Fever, the milder form of the West Nile Virus illness. None of the four have been hospitalized.

The four cases are spread throughout the southern half of the province in the regional health authorities of Sun Country (2), Five Hills (1), and Heartland (1).

In addition, Canadian Blood Services has confirmed the virus in three more Saskatchewan residents. One of the individuals donated blood at a Regina clinic, but is from the Five Hills Health Region. That person is confirmed as having West Nile Fever, but was never hospitalized. The two other confirmed infections were identified after blood was donated at a Yorkton Canadian Blood Services clinic. The Yorkton area donors are not showing symptoms.

This brings a total number of probable and confirmed incidences of West Nile Virus to 16.

"I cannot emphasize enough the need for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites," said the province's deputy chief medical health officer, Dr. Eric Young. "Mosquito repellents and proper clothing are the best line of defence to avoid being bitten. We are in the period where the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes carrying the virus is increasing."

"The most serious cases are the three people with probable West Nile Neurological Syndromes," said Dr. Young.

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*Dr. Eric Young will be available to speak with reporters about these numbers at 3:30pm, in the main lobby of the T.C. Douglas Building, 3475 Albert Street.
*Please note attached table details surveillance results as of August 19, 2003.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: 787-4083 Email: mrathwell@health.gov.sk.ca Cell: 537-3593