West Nile Virus

• What is West Nile Virus
• Provincial mosquito control permit
• B.C. Information Bulletins
• Learn More about West Nile Virus

What is West Nile virus?

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus. In nature it is normally passed between mosquitoes and birds. The usual way for humans to get WNV is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes can become carriers after biting infected birds.

Most people infected with WNV will experience no symptoms at all. About 20% of those infected will develop mild flu-like symptoms lasting a week or less.

• Learn more by reading the BC Healthfile on West Nile virus

If you are concerned you may have symptoms of West Nile Virus, call the 24-hour BC NurseLine. Translation services are available in 130 languages.

What is the province and public health officials doing to prepare for West Nile virus?

British Columbia is taking a co-ordinated approach to West Nile Virus, and a provincial strategy has been developed. It is being led by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).

BCCDC News Release and Backgrounder:
Apr. 15, 2004 - Multi-agency Group Unveils B.C.'s West Nile Virus Strategy

Provincial mosquito control permit

As part of the West Nile virus strategy, the Minister of Health Services has obtained a permit under the Pesticide Control Act to control mosquitoes should they pose a public health risk due to the virus. The permit ensures health officials can respond quickly to protect British Columbians. It provides a legal mechanism to allow pesticide application if health officials determine the virus poses a public health threat.

B.C. Information Bulletins:

• Consolidated Pesticide Permit (Unoffical Version) (PDF  48K)
• Pesticide Permit Amendment No.4 - #776-001-2003/2008 (PDF 207K)
• Pesticide Permit Amendment No.3 - #776-001-2003/2006 (PDF  42K)
• Pesticide Permit Amendment No.2 - #776-001-2003/2005 (PDF  49K)
• Revised Appendices 2004 (PDF 375K)
• Pesticide Permit Amendment No. 1 - 2004 (PDF 220K)
• Pesticide Permit #776-001-2003/2004 (PDF 167K)
• Guidlines for Municipalities Accessing the Permit 2007 (PDF  29K)

Regulation:

West Nile Virus Control Regulation July 2004 (PDF News Release)

West Nile Virus Control Regulation

2006 Amendment to West Nile Virus Control Regulation (PDF 147K)

What can individuals do to prevent West Nile virus?

Read about what individuals can do at home to prevent West Nile Virus:

• BCCDC - West Nile Virus FAQs

Learn More about West Nile Virus

• BC Centre for Disease Control
• Public Health Agency of Canada - West Nile Virus
• US Centre for Disease Control
• BC Health File on West Nile Virus

Or, contact your local health authority or public health unit.

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