The Province is providing $2 million to the Union of BC Municipalities for West Nile Virus (WNV) monitoring and larvaciding (insecticide that affects only developing stages of mosquitoes) for targeted areas of the province that may see WNV this year.

WNV is transmitted to people and animals, such as horses, through a bite from an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected with the virus by feeding on infected birds. The disease has been found in most regions of North America. However, levels here in B.C. remain relatively low. The first human case in B.C. was discovered in 2009, followed shortly by a few cases in horses. Last year, British Columbia had only one human case of WNV.

This funding will be distributed to areas of the province - such as the Okanagan, the Kootenays and the Fraser Valley - where the virus has been previously identified or has a potential to reach. The funds will be used to monitor and manage any potential increase in the virus.

The vast majority of people infected with WNV show no symptoms. For others, the illness can include symptoms of fever, headache, chills, fatigue and weakness. Other symptoms include excessive sweating, rash and swollen lymph nodes. A small percentage of people infected - about one in 150 infected - may go on to develop more serious neurological conditions, such as meningitis and encephalitis (swelling of the brain).

This funding will help to protect families in key areas of the province from WNV. However, it is important to still practise precautions to prevent mosquito bites:

* Use mosquito repellent containing DEET or lemon eucalyptus oil on exposed skin.

* Avoid being outside at dusk or dawn, as those tend to be prime times for mosquito activity.

* Wear long-sleeved, light-coloured shirts and long pants when outside.

* Use mosquito netting to protect babies and toddlers in strollers.

* Remove any type of standing water at least once a week.

* Clean up areas of your home that may attract mosquitoes, such as old tires, flower pots, wheelbarrows, barrels or other containers that may hold standing water.

* Change water in bird baths at least once a week.

Quotes:

Minister of Health Michael de Jong -

"We have been fortunate that, so far, West Nile Virus has not become widespread here in B.C. However, it is important to stay vigilant and do what we can to protect British Columbians from this disease. This $2 million will help key areas of the province continue to curb the spread of West Nile."

Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC Centre for Disease Control Director of Public Health -

"By following some common-sense guidelines, such as using mosquito-repellent and wearing long-sleeved, light-coloured clothing when outside during the evening or early morning, people can help to reduce their risk of West Nile Virus."

Quick Facts:

* Unlike birds or other insects, most mosquitoes do not fly very far and tend to stay close to their breeding sites. You are most likely to be bitten by a mosquito from your own backyard.

* It generally takes about a week for mosquitoes to develop from eggs into adults.

* Very small amounts of water can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes, so it is important to regularly check for all sources of standing water around your home - even something as small as a bottle top.

* West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne illness that was first identified in the West Nile Valley region of Uganda in 1937. The first cases in North America appeared in New York in 1999.

* The first detection of WNV in B.C. was in the late summer of 2009, with two human cases. Subsequent testing that year found ten positive mosquito pools in the same area of the South Okanagan.

* The first WNV-positive crow was found in B.C. just last year, in the Central Okanagan area. The bird was tested as part of a routine surveillance.

* Since 2003, the BC Centre for Disease Control has co-ordinated a provincewide surveillance program for WNV, which includes testing of dead birds in the corvid family (crows, ravens, magpies and jays), mosquito surveillance and animal and human testing.

* Symptoms of WNV include fever, headache, muscles aches, and sometimes a rash. More severe illness can include inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis) or swelling of the brain (encephalitis).

* Horses are also susceptible to WNV. Symptoms of WNV in horses include stumbling, weakness, head pressing, confusion, inability to stand, seizures and listlessness.

Learn More:

* BC Centre for Disease Control, West Nile Virus:

www.bccdc.ca/dis-cond/a-z/_w/WestNileVirus/

* HealthLink BC, West Nile Virus:

www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile88.stm

* Public Health Agency of Canada, West Nile Virus:

www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/wnv-vwn/index-eng.php

Contact:

Ryan Jabs

Media Relations Manager

Ministry of Health

250 952-1887

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect