Communicable Disease Prevention and Control

Insect and Animal-Related Diseases


West Nile Virus


West Nile virus is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes pick up the virus from feeding on birds and then can transmit the illness to humans. The risk of West Nile virus in Nova Scotia is very low.

There have been no cases of West Nile virus acquired in Nova Scotia . In 2008, 36 human cases of the illness were reported in Canada.

In Nova Scotia , dead birds are tested for West Nile virus because mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus begin infecting birds before they infect humans. If dead birds are found in Nova Scotia , contact the local Department of Natural Resources who will determine if the bird is appropriate for testing. It is particularly important to report any clusters of dead birds to the local Department of Natural Resources as they should be tested. No birds have tested positive in Nova Scotia since 2003.

Nova Scotia Health Promotion and Protection recommends protecting yourself and your family from West Nile virus by following the advice outlined in our brochure.

We hope you find the following information helpful:

For more information on West Nile virus check out the following links:

 

Insect and Animal-Related Diseases

Lyme Disease

Rabies

West Nile Virus

Avian Influenza

Anthrax