WNV: Our 2011 Action Plan

The goal for the West Nile Virus program at the Grey Bruce Health Unit is to protect the health of the public by reducing or minimizing the incidence of West Nile Virus. The action plan has 3 key components.

●        Dead Bird and Mammal Surveillance

●        Human Surveillance

●        Public Education

Dead Mammal Surveillance

Overview

During the WNV season of 2003, it was decided that other animals would be tested for the presence of WNV. It was requested that mammals and other species of birds (non-corvid) that were acting strangely prior to death be submitted for testing since they may also be a reservoir for the virus.

Submission of mammals and other bird species will be continued in the 2011 WNV season. Assessment will be done to determine which specimens are appropriate for submission.

Human Surveillance

Overview

The goal of the human surveillance program for WNV is to identify and appropriately treat cases of WNV in humans in the Grey Bruce region. Protection of the donated blood supply is also a priority of the human surveillance portion of the WNV program. Human surveillance has been ongoing and will continue into the 2011 WNV season.

When the health unit receives a report of probable or confirmed WNV in a human, an investigation will be initiated to determine where the individual may have come into contact with the virus and whether or not they have donated blood. There are a number of possible sources of infection including travel, receipt of blood products and vertical transmission from mother to infant.

Public Education

Emphasis will be placed on educating Grey and Bruce residents on reducing potential mosquito breeding sites on their properties and the use of personal protection against mosquito bites. Revisions and additions to the Grey Bruce Health Unit website will continue during the 2011 season.