West Nile Virus

What is West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is responsible for the infection known as West Nile Fever. Most people infected with West Nile Virus will not get sick at all. About 20% of those infected will have mild flu-like symptoms which may include fever, headache and body aches, a rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands lasting a week or less. In rare cases (less than 1%) West Nile Virus infection can result in serious health effects such as meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

People with this more serious illness may have fever, headache, confusion, weakness, and, occasionally, paralysis.

How do you get West Nile Virus?

West Nile Virus is transmitted through bites by infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can become carriers after biting infected birds.

Even in areas where mosquitoes do carry the virus, very few mosquitoes - much less than 1% -are infected. If the mosquito is infected, less than of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill. The chance you will become severely ill from any one mosquito bite is extremely small.

What is the risk of West Nile Virus in British Columbia?

The risk to British Columbians from West Nile Virus is low. West Nile Virus has spread across North America since 1999, and may make its way into the province. Last year the virus was found in a crow and a raven in Washington State. It was also reported in birds in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nova Scotia.

How can I protect myself?

While the risk of illness caused by West Nile Virus is low, British Columbian's should know how to prepare for and reduce their risk of infection. Any activity that either prevents mosquitoes from biting or prevents mosquitoes from breeding will help to further reduce the risk of infection. There are many simple things that you can do to protect yourself from West Nile

•Wearprotective clothing - Avoid dark clothing as it tends to attract mosquitoes. When in mosquito infested areas, wear loose-fitting, full-length pant legs and long sleeves to act as barriers against mosquito biting.

•Use mosquito repellent - West Nile Virus has been found in both daytime and dusk-to-dawn biting mosquitoes. For this reason, use of a mosquito repellent containing DEET to areas of exposed skin is best. The amount of DEET in repellents should not exceed 30% for adults and 10% for children. DEET should not be used on children under 6 months of age. Check the product label for instructions on proper use.

•Install mosquito screens on windows - If in a mosquito infested area, remain in well-screened or completely enclosed, air-conditioned areas when possible. Consider staying indoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening, which are peak mosquito biting times.

•Prevent mosquito breeding around your home -It doesn't take much time or water, for mosquitoes to develop from eggs to adults. Therefore, anything that can hold water is a likely breeding spot. Try to recognize and get rid of these areas on your property. A few things to do include: empty saucers under flowerpots, change water in bird baths regularly, unclog rain gutters, drain tarps, tires, and other debris where rain water may collect and install a pump in ornamental ponds or stock them with fish.

When should I see a doctor?

If you develop a severe headache or neck stiffness for which you cannot find a cause, consult your doctor.

What is the treatment for West Nile Virus?

Although there is no specific treatment, medication or cure, many of the symptoms and complications of the disease can be treated. Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus recover. There is no vaccine for West Nile Virus at this time.

Why are officials testing dead crows?

Many types of birds can be infected with West Nile Virus, but the crow family (corvids) are very sensitive and likely to die from the virus. Officials test dead corvids to find out if West Nile Virus has moved into an area. Local health authorities have programs in place for collecting and testing samples of dead crows, and the public's help is not required for this. However, public health authorities are also tracking the number of dead corvids people see.

Please report dead bird sightings on-line at www.cw.bc.ca/cdc/westNile/wnv_form.asp If you have questions about how dead crows are being collected in your area, please contact your local health authority.

Could I become infected by handling a dead bird?

The only known incidents where the virus has been passed directly from birds to humans has been due to a laboratory accident. While the risk of infection from handling birds is low, the public should not handle wild birds or other animals, dead or alive, with their bare hands. If you need to move a dead bird, use thick gloves or an object such a shovel.

Where is West Nile Virus found?

West Nile Virus is widespread in parts of Africa, Western Asia and the northern Mediterranean area. Outbreaks have been reported in Egypt, Israel, India, France, Romania, and the Czech Republic. In September of 1999, New York City reported the first outbreak of West Nile Virus in North America. In the summer of 2000 the virus was found in neighbouring states, and in the summer of 2002 West Nile Virus was reported in 44 U.S. states, and in five provinces in Canada.

Sources for More Information:

• B.C. Ministry of Health Planning www.healthplanning.gov.bc.ca/pho/wnv.html

• B. C. Centre for Disease Control www.bccdc.org/content.php?item=148

• Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dc-ma/wnv-vno/index_e.html

• Or, contact your local health authority, family doctor or public health department.

To report a suspected or confirmed human infection with West Nile Virus, contact your local Health Authority. To locate public health services in your area, please visit: www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/bchealthcare/healthauthorities.html

• Within Greater Vancouver: 604-215-4700

• Toll-free within B.C.: 1-866-215-4700

• Deaf and hearing-impaired toll-free throughout B.C. 1-866-889-4700

Translation services are available in 130 languages.

BC Centre for Disease Control