West Nile Virus
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Protect Yourself |
| West Nile Virus,
originally detected in Africa, had it’s first recorded outbreak
in North America in New York City in 1999. This outbreak caused disease
in at least 60 people and resulted in 7 human deaths. Health Canada
indicates that in 2002, 426 Canadians became ill after being infected
with West Nile virus and during 2003, that number rose to over 1,300. The virus is found in wild birds and carried by mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a bird, the bird can become infected and can pass the virus on to other mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a human or animal, they may in turn become infected. West Nile virus has been found in many bird species in North America. Some species do not become sick when infected, while others such as crows, blue jays, magpies and ravens, get sick more often and may die. Of the many species of mosquitoes in Canada, only a few are believed to be important in transmitting the disease because they are present I sufficient numbers and commonly feed on birds. Culex pipiens, Culex restuans and Culex tarsalis are three of these species. See these links for more information about West Nile Virus: Health Canada – West Nile Virus Information www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/westnile BC Centre for Disease Control www.bccdc.org |
 Follow these tips to reduce mosquito breeding areas around your home:
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