PEI Working With Other Provinces To Monitor West Nile Virus

Prince Edward Island is working with other Maritime provinces and Health Canada to monitor potential cases of West Nile Virus in the Atlantic region.

The West Nile virus is carried by mosquitoes who have become infected by feeding on infected birds. While there is no evidence of the virus in Canada, an outbreak of the virus in New York City last year has prompted health officials to develop coordinated surveillance efforts to determine whether migrating birds to Canada this spring may have become infected while wintering in the south.

Chief Health Officer Dr. Lamont Sweet advised today that while the risk of the virus in the Atlantic region is unknown, several steps are being taken to ensure early detection of potential cases. "We will be monitoring mosquito and bird populations throughout the Island and testing for the virus," he said. "We will continue to keep the public informed as surveillance continues. People should take a common sense approach to protect themselves against mosquito bites such as wearing mosquito repellent and removing sources of stagnant water from their properties."

Dr. Sweet advised that symptoms of the virus are usually mild and most people do not realize they have been infected. "However, people who show severe symptoms such as headache, high fever, stiff neck and muscle weakness should seek medical help immediately." he said.