B.C. health authorities are confirming the presence of the West Nile virus in B.C. for the first time.

Health authorities are investigating possible West Nile virus cases in two Kelowna residents who had only travelled in the south and central Okanagan areas.

Cases of West Nile virus have been detected in B.C. before, but the cases were travel-related.

“This doesn’t really come as a surprise,” says B.C. Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall. “We have been anticipating the arrival of West Nile virus in our province for several years now, especially considering that infection has been widely reported in humans and animals in several provinces across Canada and the United States in recent years, including provinces and states bordering BC. The important things to note are that B.C. has a robust mosquito and West Nile virus surveillance system, and that people can take common sense precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites.”

West Nile virus is spread by mosquito bites. Authorities recommend taking steps to prevent bites and eliminate mosquito habitats outside of homes and other buildings by removing standing water where mosquitos can breed. Perry says monitoring by authorities and personal responsibility managing mosquito bites are the most effective way to deal with West Nile virus.

“There is no fixed pattern to West Nile virus,” said Dr. Kendall. “In some years, a number of provinces have recorded hundreds of cases. This year, however, there have been no reported cases in Canada. If confirmed, the two cases currently being investigated in B.C. will be the first. But while the incidence of West Nile virus fluctuates, what should remain a constant are stringent surveillance and common sense personal protection. That’s our best strategy against West Nile virus infection.”

The mosquito-borne West Nile virus originated in Africa and first appeared in North America in 1999. 80 per cent of humans infected by the disease have no symptoms at all and about 20 per cent develop fever, headaches and rash symptoms. About 1 out of 150 people infected have severe complications including encephalitis and meningitis.

To learn more about the West Nile virus, see the B.C. Centre for Disease Control’s Web site at bccdc.ca.