On the rarest of occasions, avian influenza viruses, such as the H5 virus present in Asia, can cause disease in humans. To date, all known cases of human infection with avian flu can be traced directly to contact with live chickens. Infected birds shed the virus in their feces, the dust from which can be breathed in by humans tending these birds. Since the virus is not present in meat or eggs, there is no absolutely no danger in eating cooked chicken, turkey or other fowl.

Will There be Cases of SARS in Canada this Year? How Can I Protect Myself?
At press time, there are no reported cases of the virus that causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Canada. This means that the risk of infection for Canadians is extremely low. However, health experts are concerned that SARS could re-emerge and recommend that Canadians remain aware of the symptoms and risk factors for the condition.

People affected by SARS develop a fever, followed by respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. In some cases, the symptoms become increasingly severe, and may necessitate oxygen support and mechanical assistance to breathe. Other symptoms of SARS may include muscle aches, headaches, sore throat and diarrhea.

As with many diseases, the young, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are at most risk for contracting SARS and for developing more severe symptoms.

Here are ways to minimize the risk of contracting SARS in the unlikely event of an outbreak:

• Wash your hands often. Hand-washing is the single most important procedure for preventing infections such as SARS.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough.
• Promptly dispose of any tissues or other articles that come into contact with fluid from your nose, mouth, throat or eyes.
• When planning travel, refer to the latest Health Canada information on SARS. Since the risk of transmitting SARS in public is extremely low, there is no reason for returning travellers who do not show any symptoms to be quarantined.

For further information on SARS, visit Health Canada’s website: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

How Can I Protect Myself and My Family Against the West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus (WNV) is an infection that is spread to humans by mosquitoes. (Affected mosquitoes have fed from the blood of birds that are infected with the virus.) There is no evidence to suggest that the virus can be transmitted from person to person, or from animal or bird to person.

The likelihood of contracting WNV is extremely low. Even in areas where mosquitoes do carry the virus, less than one percent of mosquitoes are actually infected. If a person is bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus, the chance of developing a serious illness from the bite is lower than one percent.

Most people infected with WNV either show no symptoms at all or have mild flu-like symptoms lasting a week or less. A rash is also a common symptom of infection. However, in rare cases, WNV may cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain itself). Both these diseases can cause serious debilitation. The very young, the elderly, and those with suppressed immune systems are most at risk for severe symptoms of WNV.

Although there have been a few cases of WNV in humans in the prairie provinces and British Columbia, the majority of cases have, so far, been recorded in Ontario.

In Canada, the mosquito season typically lasts from May until hard frost (late September - October) so protective activities should begin now.

To protect you and your family from mosquito bites:

• Reduce outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear baggy, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Make sure that you also wear socks if you plan on being outside at dusk or dawn.
• Wear light-coloured clothing since dark colours attract mosquitoes.
• Use mosquito repellents that contain DEET. The percentage of DEET in repellents should not exceed 30 percent for adults or 10 percent for children. DEET should not be used on children under six months of age. Ensure you read the instructions before application.
• Install screens on your doors and windows.
• Make sure your lawn is mowed to decrease the area where mosquitoes can rest during the hot part of the day.
• Avoid or protect yourself in or near woodland, forests, salt marshes and coastal rock pools, and any other places where mosquitoes may bite during the day.

Anything that can hold water is a potential site for mosquitoes to develop from eggs into adults. To reduce common mosquito breeding sites around your home, remember to:

• Empty saucers under flower pots.
• Change water in bird baths and pet water/food dishes regularly.
• Empty wading pools when not in use; drain tarps, pool covers and trampolines that fill with rainwater.
• Unclog rain gutters.
• Use fine mesh to cover rain barrels and containers that cannot be dumped.

Remove used tires and other debris where rainwater may collect. For more information on West Nile Virus, visit Health Canada’s website: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

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