Summary of West Nile Virus Activity in Canada: Summary of West Nile Virus Activity in Canada Peter A. Buck BSc DVM MSc Manager, Zoonoses Section Public Health Agency of Canada Acknowledgements: H. Artsob, I.K. Barker, M. Drebot, R.Lindsay, and P. Sockett


Surveillance in Canada: 2000 - 2005: Surveillance in Canada: 2000 - 2005 Monitoring activities include surveillance in: Birds Dead birds Sentinel Chickens Mosquitoes Horses Humans


Slide3: National Microbiology Laboratory Avian National Surveillance for WN virus: Submission of Specimens Public Local Health Unit/Natural Resources/ Conservation/Animal Control CCWHC/Provincial Veterinary Laboratories


Slide4: National Microbiology Laboratory Mosquitoes Local Health Unit/Mosquito Contractor Mosquito Contractor/University-based Contractor National Surveillance for WN virus: Submission of Specimens


Slide5: Horse Owner Local Veterinarian Commercial Laboratory Provincial Laboratory CFIA National Surveillance for WN virus: Submission of Specimens


Slide6: National Microbiology Laboratory Human Health Care Provider Provincial Laboratory National Surveillance for WN virus: Submission of Specimens


National Surveillance 2003 - 2005: Case Classification: National Surveillance 2003 - 2005: Case Classification


Canada to the last week of December 2002-2005: Canada to the last week of December 2002-2005 1 probable and confirmed (number of deaths in brackets) 2 confirmed positive (number tested in brackets) 3 presumed or confirmed 4 Several cases are related to travel outside Canada 5 These figures represent the number of positive results reported to the CFIA as per the Immediately Notifiable Disease Regulations


Slide9: Peak season 50% of cases


Human West Nile Virus Cases by Clinical Classification in Canada 2003-2005: Human West Nile Virus Cases by Clinical Classification in Canada 2003-2005


Blood Screening for WNV in Canada: Blood Screening for WNV in Canada Blood Agencies Hema-Quebec (1 province) Canadian Blood Services (9 provinces, 3 territories) Both use Roche platform Both have developed close working relationships with public health partners


WNV Infection Detected through Donor Blood Screening: WNV Infection Detected through Donor Blood Screening * One was not positive by alternate NAT


Slide27: Serosurvey Results in Canada


Partners in West Nile virus Surveillance and Response: Partners in West Nile virus Surveillance and Response Public Health Agency of Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency First Nations and Inuit Health Branch Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch Health Products and Food Branch Communications, Marketing and Consultation Directorate Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre Chief Medical Officers of Health Canadian Food Inspection Agency Provincial/Territorial Steering Committees Department of National Defence Environment Canada Blood Operators International Linkages Health Professional Organizations Department of Fisheries and Oceans Parks Canada Consumers’ Groups


Slide29: For more information, please consult the Public Health Agency of Canada’s WNV website at: www.westnilevirus.gc.ca Pour plus d’informations, consulter le site Web d’Agence de santé publique du Canada sur le virus du Nil occidental à l’adresse suivante: www.virusduniloccidental.gc.ca


Communications Approach: Communications Approach To date Served as a credible source of information Ensured consistent messaging and reached high risk populations During 2005, PHAC continued its coordinating role with regional offices, P/Ts and other federal Departments. Key objectives were to sustain messaging while supporting provincial/territorial efforts Facilitate information-sharing through communications committee Continue public education with in-store promotion The First Nations and Inuit Health Branch’s public education campaign focused on personal protective measures (avoiding mosquito bites and eliminating sources of standing water)


Communications and Public Education: Communications and Public Education Canadians are not taking proper steps to protect themselves against WNV Communications and public education to get people to take action Focus on behaviour and attitudinal change Reach people in high risk target groups Partnerships: public and private Proactive communications Social marketing Ensure equal access to information for all Canadians Reinforce messaging on the safety of DEET