West Nile Virus
West Nile in Interior Health
West Nile virus has been spreading across North America and Interior Health since 1999 and the last few years has been steadily moving north along the Pacific mountain ranges. BC has seen many cases of disease amongst travelers to other parts of North America. Interior Health's action plan includes initiatives on three fronts: Surveillance, Education & Mosquito Control.
Surveillance:
Identification of mosquitoes and testing of Culex mosquitoes trapped at various locations near the south area of the region.
- Testing of dead Corvids (crows, ravens, magpies and jays) found and reported in Interior Health area (see “Be a part of the West Nile Virus Watch Team” below)
- Reports of dead bird sightings can be provided to BCCDC as well.
- Surveillance for human disease
Current surveillance results have identified the following West Nile Virus-positive cases so far this year: These represent cases where the virus was locally acquired.
West Nile Virus-Positive Cases in Interior Health, 2009 Confirmed cases only.
Updated Oct 07, 2009 |
| Regional District |
Human1 |
Horse / other mammal |
Bird |
Mosquito2 |
| Cariboo |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Central Kootenay |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Central Okanagan |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Columbia Shuswap |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| East Kootenay |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Kootenay Boundary |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| North Okanagan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Okanagan Similkameen |
0 |
2 |
0 |
10 |
| Squamish Lillooet |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Thompson Nicola |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Total |
2 |
2 |
0 |
10 |
1. Human cases are based on the location of residence. Note: One separate positive travel-related case has also been reported.
2. Mosquito pools tested may contain up to 50 female Culex mosquitoes
View individual regional district maps at the BC Stats website.
Education:
- Informing public about the disease:
- 80% of people who contract the West Nile Virus have no symptoms.
- 20% of people develop a syndrome including headache, tiredness, rash, fever, sore joints & muscles and sometimes stomach upset.
- About 1 in 150 people who are infected will get a serious illness that can include inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), or even paralysis.
- Some people can be left with long lasting disability, and about 1 in 1000 will die.
- Advising public how to reduce risk:
- Eliminate mosquito habitat (standing water) around homes
- Provide the greatest protection from mosquitoes around dusk and dawn, including staying out of doors.
- Use repellent containing DEET
- Install good screens on doors and windows and
- Wear hats and light-coloured long sleeves and pants.
Mosquito Control (working with Regional Districts & Municipalities):
- Working with local governments to control mosquitoes by signing off grant applications. Mosquitoes are controlled by various means, including killing mosquito larvae (larviciding) using environment-friendly bacterial agents and getting rid of habitiat by good drainage.
- Having catch basins and surface water on some of its properties treated to eliminate mosquito larvae.
- Where necessary, destroying adult mosquitoes
About West Nile
West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause neurologic problems. The virus was named after the West Nile region of Uganda, where the virus first appeared in 1937.
Be a Part of the West Nile Virus Watch Team
Report any dead crows, ravens, magpies, and jays (Stellar’s Jay, Clark’s Nutcracker, Whisky Jack and Blue Jay) by completing the online BC Centre for Disease Control Dead Bird Sighting Report form.
Reports of clusters of dead crows, ravens, magpies, and jays in the Okanagan or Kootenay areas can also be made by calling the West Nile Virus line at 1-866-300-0520. Note: this number is valid for only the Okanagan and Kootenay areas.
Resources:
Pest Management Plan: