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Thursday, June 21, 2007

CBC.ca

Manitoban reports year's 1st case of West Nile

The first case of West Nile virus in 2007 in Canada was reported
Thursday in a Manitoba man who has experienced only mild symptoms of
the mosquito-borne infection.

After giving blood Tuesday, Gil Brunette got a call from Canadian
Blood Services indicating he had tested positive for West Nile.

"They said that I tested positive for West Nile, and that I was
probably the first in Canada and for sure the first in Manitoba," he
said.

Provincial officials confirmed Thursday that they had been notified
about the case, adding that further investigation would take place to
confirm when and where exposure may have taken place.

Brunette, 53, said he'd experienced headaches and had been a bit
tired, but his symptoms haven't taken him away from his work.

"At first I was a little concerned, but I saw my doctor and he told me
not to worry about it, that it was no big deal.... He said if nothing
changes, then just carry on and it'll pass, and after that I'll be
immune, so there is a bonus," he said with a laugh.

"I'm working. I worked a full day today. I haven't been bothered at
all."

Most people who contract West Nile virus show no symptoms.  Of those
who do, most experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches,
fatigue and body aches.

The virus can cause the more serious West Nile neurological syndrome,
which can result in weakness, paralysis, confusion, coma or - in rare
cases - death.
Risk still considered low

Many areas of southern Manitoba have had an unusually wet spring,
especially east of Winnipeg and the Red River Valley. Large amounts of
standing water, combined with recent warm weather, have created ideal
conditions for mosquito breeding.

Brunette lives in Lorette, Man., 25 kilometres southeast of Winnipeg.
He admitted the mosquitoes are very bad in the forested areas around
his home, but said he doesn't wear mosquito repellent, even though he
spends eight to 10 hours outdoors every day.

"I don't like it. It's too sticky, so I don't wear it," he said.

At this time of year, the risk of being bitten by a mosquito carrying
the West Nile virus is considered to be low, but it is increasing.
Most human exposures to West Nile virus in Manitoba occur in July,
August and early September.

Provincial officials have found higher-than-average counts of Culex
tarsalis mosquitoes - the type most likely to carry the virus - in
many communities in southern Manitoba.
Mosquitoes carrying virus found in 11 communities

Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been identified earlier
this year than in previous years.

Mosquito samples from 11 communities across southern Manitoba have
been identified as positive for West Nile virus: Altona, Brandon,
Carman, Deloraine, Morden, Niverville, Oakbank, Stonewall, Stony
Mountain, West St. Paul and Winnipeg.

Still, the province is not recommending any communities undertake
adult mosquito control, a controversial practice in Winnipeg, where
some residents have raised concern about health risks associated with
the insecticide malathion, which is used to kill adult mosquitoes in
the city.

Across Canada, 127 human cases of West Nile virus were reported in
2006: 24 in Alberta, 11 in Saskatchewan, 50 in Manitoba, and 41 in
Ontario.

Health officials say people should reduce the risk of West Nile virus
by avoiding mosquito bites. They recommend:

    * Spending less time outdoors during peak mosquito hours, between
dusk and dawn.
    * Using mosquito repellent.
    * Ensuring window and door screens are tight-fitting and free of
holes.
    * Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing
when outside, especially during peak mosquito hours.

In addition, mosquito populations can be reduced by eliminating or
treating standing water on a weekly basis, health officials suggest.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2007/06/21/west-nile.html