CALGARY - A crow, which was found dead in Brooks area, became the first case of West Nile virus in Alberta in 2006. The crow tested positive on Thursday.
Dr. Margo Pybus of the Alberta Sustainable Resource Development said that they had tested around forty-one birds before the positive test. "Although the first positive case came three weeks earlier than in 2004 and 2005, it is located well within the high-risk region in southwestern Alberta where the virus was detected in previous years," said Pybus. In 2005 around 220 birds were tested for the presence of West Nile virus across Alberta. Seven of them tested positive for the virus.
Dr. Nicholas Bayliss, chief medical officer of health for Alberta said the bird was found neat Medicine Hat where mosquitoes had tested positive for the virus. "The most effective means of reducing infection is to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes by using a repellent that contains DEET."
Last year 10 human cases of West Nile virus were reported in Alberta down from 275 who were infected with the virus in 2003. No human cases are reported so far.
Ontario government's West Nile virus website says that people must avoid some areas were trapped water can encourage breeding mosquitoes. Unused containers such as barrels, old tires, swimming pool covers and flower pot saucers are some of the areas that may hold mosquitoes. Use of DEET is the best way to prevent West Nile virus infection.
