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As of May 2007, West Nile virus (WNv) has not been detected in the British Columbia, although it is expected to enter the province sometime in the future.
In anticipation of its arrival, the Province launched a WNv management program with funding to allow local governments to prepare. Since 2003, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has been participating in a mosquito monitoring and surveillance program which identifies mosquito species and their habitat.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has indicated that key requisites for being prepared for the possible arrival of WNv include the development of a Communication Plan and an Emergency Response Plan. The RMOW is currently developing these two plans to be ready for the 2007 season.
Even though West Nile virus has not been detected in B.C. or Whistler, the RMOW provides the following information to allow interested residents and visitors to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is West Nile virus?
West Nile virus (WNv) is a mosquito borne virus that has traditionally been found in parts of Africa, Western Asia and the northern Mediterranean areas. It is usually spread between mosquitoes and birds but is also transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes contract the virus after feeding on the blood of bird carrying the virus. About two weeks later, an infected mosquito is able to spread the virus.
The risk of infection is low and the risk of serious illness from infection is even lower. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of WNv and the ways to reduce your risk of infection.
2. Where has WNv been detected?
The virus was first detected in the West Nile region of Uganda in Africa in 1937. During the summer of 1999, the virus was detected in New York State. It is now found in most US states and across central and western Canada, but currently it is not in BC. While only a small number of mosquito species can carry and transmit the virus, some of these mosquitoes are present in BC.
3. How does a person get infected with WNv?
People are infected with WNv by being bitten by an infected mosquito. The risk level in the province is expected to vary by region and to flare up in the summer and fall depending on climate conditions. The public will be notified by public health officials if birds or mosquitoes in the province test positive for the virus. When people are exposed to mosquitoes in an area the WN virus has been detected they are at risk for infection. The chances for serious illness are very low but increase as you get older and if you have a weakened immune system. There is no specific treatment for WNv and there is currently no vaccine for humans.
4. What are the symptoms of a WNv infection?
Most mosquito bites cause itching and minor irritation. The symptoms of WNv range considerably and about 80 percent of people show no symptoms at all. Up to 20 percent have mild symptoms that may include fever, headache, vomiting and swollen lymph glands or a rash on the torso. These symptoms may last only a few days or persist for weeks.
Less than 1 percent becomes seriously ill resulting in symptoms that can include meningitis, encephalitis, or polio-like paralysis. As well, people with more serious illness may have high fever, headache, disorientation, coma, vision loss, fatigue, stiff neck and sometimes paralysis. These symptoms can last weeks with permanent neurological
effects.
Although rare, the virus can cause serious illness and even death so it is important to be
aware of WNv symptoms and the steps you can take to minimize the risk of infection.
5. What actions are being taken by the province and the RMOW?
The RMOW and provincial authorities are working together to minimize risk from West Nile Virus. Those activities include:
- Monitoring for the presence of West Nile virus and sharing monitoring data
- (i.e. mosquito larval sampling, adult mosquito trapping, and dead bird collecting);
- Informing the public about West Nile virus and how to minimize the risk of becoming infected;
- Coordinating the development of mosquito control plans.
The RMOW has an ongoing mosquito monitoring program. Potential WNv mosquito breeding hot spots have been located, mapped, and prioritized for treatment as part of the RMOW’s WNv response plan. The RMOW is also working closely with its partners and health authorities in a coordinated approach to reducing the public health threat posed by West Nile Virus through ongoing monitoring, response planning and public education initiatives. Its approach was developed in consultation with a number of partners, including provincial authorities and the BC Centre for Disease Control.
If WNv is detected in the area, the RMOW will implement its WNv Response Plan in consultation with the local medical health officer.
6. What can I do to minimize the risk of becoming infected?
Efforts to minimize the risk of becoming infected should be directed both at preventing
mosquitoes from biting as well as preventing mosquitoes from developing.
AVOID BEING BIT
- Use mosquito repellents that contain DEET (the percentage of DEET in repellents should not exceed 30% for adults and 10% for children). When using insect repellents be sure to follow the directions (for more information on insect repellents visit Health Canada's web page);
- When outdoors, protect yourself by wearing shoes, socks, hat, long pants and long- sleeved shirts. Wear light coloured clothing; dark coloured clothing tends to attract mosquitoes;
- Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn if possible because this is when mosquitoes that carry WNv are most active;
- Avoid wearing fragrant products such as lotions and perfumes because these tend to attract mosquitoes;
- Inspect existing screens on windows and doors to make sure they are tight fitting and have no holes;
- Mow your lawn regularly to decrease the area where mosquitoes can rest during the hot part of the day;
- Avoid forested areas as much as possible during the day.
PREVENT DEVELOPMENT
Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water and it takes about four days for the eggs to grow into adults that are ready to fly. Source: www.wuvcd.org/mosquito/lifecycle.html
Even a small amount of water, for example, in a saucer under a flower pot, is enough to act as a breeding ground. As a result, it is important to eliminate as much standing water around your property as possible by:
- Regularly (twice a week) draining standing water from items like pool covers, saucers under flower pots, recycle bins, garbage cans, etc.;
- Remove old unused items from around your property (i.e., old tires) which have a tendency to collect water;
- Change the water in wading pools, bird baths, pet bowls and livestock watering tanks twice a week;
- Cover rain barrels with screens;
- Clean out eavestroughs regularly to prevent clogs that can trap water;
- Purchase an aerator for ornamental ponds. This will keep the surface water moving which will make the water inhospitable to mosquito larvae;
Where areas of standing water on your property cannot be reduced, Health Canada has approved a larvicide product called VectoBac which can be applied to bodies of standing water to kill mosquito larvae. Be aware the use of VectoBac is only permitted on the condition that the water body: 1) is man-made; 2) lies entirely within your property limits; and 3) does not flow off of your property. If these conditions are not met then a permit from the Ministry of Environment is required. Contact your local garden centre for information on cost and availability of VectoBac, or www.dgregan.com.
Informative Links
The BC Health Files has an information sheet about WNv available in six languages that covers the basics as well as gives links for other information sources:
www.bchealthguide.org/healthfiles/hfile88.stm
Health Canada has background information, symptoms of WNv, what the public can do to minimize their risk as well as links for additional information:
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/wnv-vno_e.html
Public Health Agency of Canada: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/wn-no/index_e.html
How to minimize your risk: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/wn-no/protect_e.html
Symptoms: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/wn-no/symptom_e.html
For a list of other links pertaining to various issues including WNv and First Nations, how to report a dead bird, insect repellents, and WNv activity in the Canada see the following link:
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/wn-no/links_e.html
The BC Health Files has an information sheet about insect repellent and DEET:
www.bchealthguide.org/healthfiles/hfile96.stm
Information on proper use of insect repellents, DEET:
www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/english/consum/insectrepellents-e.html
The CDC has a fact sheet that provides information for the United States:
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factSheet.htm
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