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Introduction to Human Surveillance for WNV

As part of the Ontario Provincial West Nile Virus Response Plan, the Grey Bruce Health Unit is actively partaking in human surveillance for West Nile Virus. West Nile Virus has been designated as a reportable disease. This means that all cases of West Nile Virus detected in humans are to be reported to the health unit by the diagnosing physician. The health unit will follow-up with potential cases to determine if the patient has donated or received blood within 8 weeks. Since July 1, 2003 Canadian Blood Services tests all blood donations for West Nile Virus. Additional information regarding West Nile Virus will be forwarded to local physicians from the Health Unit as required.

Results of human surveillance for WNV

Year	Month	Number of Confirmed Cases*
2002	Summary (all months)	1
2003	Summary (all months)	0
2004	Summary (all months)	0
2005	Summary (all months)	3
2006	Summary (all months)	0
2007	Summary (all months)	0
2008	Summary (all months)	0
2009	Summary (all months)	0
2010	Summary (all months)	0

* Note that cases of WNV in humans are reported based on where the person lives. A person with WNV may have acquired the infection outside of the Grey Bruce area (eg. due to travel).