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Frequently Asked Questions
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What mosquito control initiatives are being taken in my municipality?
Answer
Local municipalities have important roles to identify mosquito breeding areas on public land and have action plans to implement mosquito control measures, as necessary.
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Can my pets get West Nile Virus?
Answer
Many species of wild and domestic animals (such as dogs and cats) can become infected with West Nile virus by the bites of infected mosquitoes. However, most animals other than birds will not become ill or die when they become infected with the virus, nor is the spread of WNv from infected pets to humans known to occur. Horses, however, can become seriously ill. There is a vaccine for horses against WNv. Please contact a veterinarian for more information. Click here for Health Canada animal information.
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Can I get West Nile Virus from an infected animal or person?
Answer
No. There is no documented evidence of person-to-person, animal-to-animal, or animal-to-person transmission of West Nile Virus you must be bitten by an infected mosquito. However, all dead animals should be handled with gloves.
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Is there a connection between Avian Flu and West Nile Virus?
Answer
No. These are two completely separate diseases.
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What about West Nile Virus and breast feeding?
Answer
Because of the known benefits of breast feeding and the rarity of transmission via this route, it is recommended that mothers continue breast feeding even if the virus is circulating in BC. There are no reported adverse events following use of repellents containing DEET in pregnant or breast-feeding women.
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What is the treatment for West Nile Virus?
Answer
Although there is no specific treatment for WNv infection, many of the symptoms and complications of the disease can be treated. Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus recover. There is no human vaccine for the West Nile Virus at this time. There is a vaccine available for horses. Horse owners should contact their veterinarian for more information.
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How will the public know if West Nile Virus has been found in BC?
Answer
Fraser Health will notify the public if West Nile Virus is detected in mosquitoes, crows, or humans anywhere within Fraser Health.
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What do I do if I find a dead bird?
Answer
ALL dead corvid sighting should be reported. If you have found a dead crow, raven or jay in the Fraser Health region, please call Toll Free 1-888-WNV LINE (1-888-968-5463).
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Why are only corvids (crows, ravens and jays) collected?
Answer
Members of the crow family (crows, ravens, magpies and blue jays) are particularly sensitive to the virus and have high death rates if infected. Evidence suggests that crow die-offs precede an increased risk for human illness by 2-6 weeks. Monitoring of dead crows can provide an early warning signal that the West Nile Virus is moving into an area.
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What surveillance action is being taken in BC concerning West Nile Virus?
Answer
Fraser Health, the BC Centre for Disease Control and the Animal Health Centre are actively collecting and testing both mosquitoes and dead corvids (crows, ravens and jays) for the West Nile Virus during mosquito season (spring and summer). Local governments and managers of other public lands continue to identify and monitor breeding sites for potential WNv mosquito vectors.
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What is the risk of infection from West Nile Virus in BC?
Answer
Some species of mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile Virus do exist in BC.
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What are the symptoms of WNv?
Answer
Symptoms typically include fever, headache, and body aches; a rash on the trunk of the body and swollen lymph glands may also be present. In less than one percent of cases, West Nile Virus can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). For unknown reasons, people over 50 years of age are most at risk for severe illness.
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What is West Nile Virus?
Answer
West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus. In nature, it is normally passed between mosquitoes and birds. The usual way for humans to get West Nile virus is through the bite of an infected mosquito.
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Will I get ill if I'm bitten by a mosquito carrying WNv?
Answer
Most people infected with the West Nile Virus will experience no symptoms at all. Even in areas where mosquitoes do carry the virus, very few mosquitoes much less than 1 per cent are infected. If the mosquito is infected, less than 1 per cent of people who get bitten and become infected will get severely ill. The chance you will become severely ill from any one mosquito bite is extremely small. About 20 per cent of those infected with West Nile Virus will develop mild to severe flu-like symptoms, most lasting one week or less.
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Is West Nile Virus in British Columbia?
Answer
Yes. It has been identified in the South Okanagan and in the Fraser Valley.
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