The Issue and wear protective gloves. Canada had its first confirmed cases of West Nile (WN) virus in 2002. For most Canadians, the risk of illness from West Nile virus is low, Symptoms and Health and the risk of serious health effects is even lower. Nevertheless, it is important to know Effects of West Nile Virus the symptoms of illness related to infection Anyone who is exposed to mosquitoes in an and how to minimize your risk, especially if area where WN virus has been detected is at virus activity is reported in an area near you. some degree of risk for infection. Most people who become infected have no symptoms, and do not get sick. When infection does Background cause illness, symptoms generally appear within two to 15 days. In mild cases, people The evidence to date shows that most people may have flu-like symptoms, including fever, with West Nile virus contracted it from the headache, and body aches. Some may also bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito develop a mild rash, or swollen lymph becomes infected when it feeds on the blood glands. of a bird that carries the virus. About two weeks later, the infected mosquito becomes Some individuals, including older people, capable of spreading the virus. have weaker immune systems. This puts them at greater risk for serious health In 2002, scientists discovered other ways that effects, such as meningitis (inflammation of West Nile virus could be spread, such as the lining of the brain or spinal cord), and through blood transfusions and organ/tissue encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). In transplants. The risk of getting WN virus these cases, symptoms could include the through these procedures is considered to be rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, quite low. There is evidence that the virus stiff neck, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, can also be spread through breast milk, and loss of consciousness, muscle weakness, from a pregnant mother to her unborn baby. and paralysis. Severe cases of illness due to In addition, laboratory workers who handle West Nile virus can be fatal. Anyone who specimens with WN virus can become infected experiences the sudden onset of these through needle punctures or small cuts. symptoms should seek immediate medical There is no evidence to suggest that you attention. could get WN virus by touching or kissing an The long-term effects of serious cases are infected person, or from being around a not fully understood, but studies to date health care worker who has treated an infected show that prolonged health problems are person. There is no evidence that the possible. These can include physical effects virus can pass from infected animals, such as (long-term muscle weakness and paralysis, horses or pets, to people. However, it is still fatigue, and headache), cognitive effects important to follow standard health and safety (confusion, depression, problems with practices if you are going to handle dead concentration, and memory loss), and/or birds or animals. The same is true if you work functional effects (difficulty with preparing with animals at risk for WN virus infection, meals, going out, shopping). such as horses, or flocks of domestic birds. Health Santé Public Health Agence de santé Canada Canada Agency of Canada publique du Canada
It’s Your Health
Although individuals with weaker immune systems are at greater risk Government of Need More Info? for serious health effects, WN virus Canada’s Role For detailed information on West can cause severe complications for Nile virus in Canada, visit the Public people of any age and health status. The Public Health Agency of Canada Health Agency’s West Nile Virus site This is why it is important to reduce is working with its partners on a at: your risk of becoming infected. coordinated approach to reducing http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/wn-no/ the risk of exposure to West Nile index_e.html virus through education, surveillance, Or call 1-800-816-7292 Minimizing Your prevention and response. The approach was developed by a For Health Canada’s brochure, Risk number of partners, including Health Safety Tips on Using Personal Canada, the provincial Ministries of Inspect Repellents at: Your chance of being bitten by a Health, other federal and provincial http://www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/english/ mosquito capable of spreading West departments and agencies, and the consum/insectrepellents-e.html Nile virus is small. However, if there Canadian Cooperative Wildlife or call 1-800-267-6315 are reports of infected mosquitoes, Health Centre. These partners infected horses or dead birds in your Health Canada’s Climate Change provide educational information on area, you should take immediate and Health Web site at: WN virus through brochures, fact sheets, action to minimize your risk of http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/ media briefings, news releases, and mosquito bites. climat/index_e.html Web sites. The surveillance activities • Limit the time you spend out- focus mainly on identifying the For information on this virus from doors at dawn and dusk, when presence of WN virus in birds, Canadian Blood Services visit: mosquitoes are most active. mosquitoes, and horses. If the virus http://www.bloodservices.ca/ is detected in animals in a particular and click on “West Nile Virus” under • Wear light-colored long-sleeved area, it means that people who live the heading “What I should know?” shirts, long pants, and a hat nearby are at increased risk of when outdoors. becoming infected. In these For information on West Nile virus instances, provincial and municipal activity in your area, including • Use insect repellents. Read and health authorities will implement surveillance activities, confirmed cases, follow the manufacturers’ local prevention and response cases, and proposed response and directions for safe use. measures, including advice to the prevention measures, contact your • Make sure that door and window public about how to minimize risks. provincial and/or local health authority. screens fit tightly and have no Because it is an emerging disease, For information about West Nile holes. many questions about WN virus do virus activity in the United States, You can also take steps to reduce not yet have answers. The Public visit the Centers for Disease Control mosquito populations around your Health Agency is working diligently and Prevention, West Nile Virus at: home and property. Mosquitoes with its many partners to discover, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/ need standing pools of water to analyze, and communicate information westnile/index.htm breed, so remove standing water that will help protect Canadians against potential health effects from For additional articles on this subject from such items as pool covers, West Nile virus. and other issues go to the It’s Your saucers under flower pots, pet Health Web site at: bowls, and wading pools. Empty and www.healthcanada.gc.ca/iyh clean bird baths twice a week. Also, You can also call toll free at 1-866-225-0709 clean eaves troughs regularly to or TTY at 1-800-267-1245* prevent clogs that can trap water.
Catalogue # H50-3/148-2005E-PDF ISBN # 0-662-41189-7