What is Fraser Health doing to protect you?
- Working with the BC Centre for Disease Control and local governments. Together we have developed a West Nile Virus Action Plan, and are working with the Metro Vancouver Regional District, Fraser Valley Regional District and member municipalities to implement this plan.
- Mosquito Surveillance: During the mosquito season, Fraser Health operates mosquito traps throughout the health region (63 traps in 2009). The mosquitoes collected are identified and tested for the West Nile Virus at the BC Centre for Disease Control.
- Bird Surveillance: During the mosquito season, Fraser Health collects dead birds of the corvid family (crows, ravens and jays) for West Nile Virus testing. This program relies on public reporting of dead bird sightings. If you have sighted a dead crow, raven or jay please call: 1-888-WNV-LINE (1-888-968-5463).
- Risk Assessment: Fraser Health is currently involved with initiatives to identify significant mosquito breeding grounds on private lands in order to provide education on the reduction of mosquito breeding habitat to property owners. If you have concerns with mosquito breeding habitat on public land, contact your municipality. If you have concerns with mosquito breeding habitat on private lands call 1-888-WNV-LINE (1-888-968-5463).
- Physician Information: Fraser Health provides all doctors in the region with current information about West Nile Virus.
- West Nile Virus Risk Communication: Through the media, the public will be kept informed on the status of West Nile Virus in BC.
- Education: Through the media, Internet, brochures, health shows and classroom education, Fraser Health is working to provide information to the public, especially those at increased risk, about protecting themselves from the disease.
