What the Government of Canada is Doing

To prepare for the upcoming West Nile virus season, the Public Health Agency of Canada, in collaboration with its many partners, is focusing its efforts on the following activities:

• Canada-wide surveillance for West Nile virus
• keeping Canada's blood system safe from West Nile virus
• testing for West Nile virus
• safe and effective pesticides and insect repellents
• keeping Canadians informed about new findings on West Nile virus
• working in collaboration with First Nations communities on reserves the Public Health Agency of Canada is coordinating a national approach to West Nile virus

Frequently Asked Questions

• What organizations are involved in planning Canada's response to the threat of West Nile virus?
• What are the prevention and response plans for this season?
• Where can people get information about West Nile virus?

What organizations are involved in planning Canada's response to the threat of West Nile virus?

In February 2000, Health Canada, now the Public Health Agency of Canada, organized a National Steering Committee to develop a coordinated approach to respond to West Nile virus.The Steering Committee includes representatives from Health Canada, Provincial Ministries of Health, Conservation, Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of National Defence, Environment Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre. Health Canada also works in collaboration with blood operators and other interested organizations.

The Steering Committee's approach to managing the risks of West Nile virus is proactive. It focuses on the areas of surveillance, education and prevention, and response.

What are the prevention and response plans for this season?

Prevention and response plans will vary across the country, depending on the level of risk. When West Nile virus is found in an area, provincial and municipal health authorities will make sure people get the information they need to reduce their risk.

In some cases, local and provincial authorities may consider using pesticides to control mosquito populations.

Also see Using Pesticides to Control Mosquitoes.

For updates on West Nile virus activity in Canada, see PHAC's West Nile Virus Monitor under Maps & Stats.

Where can people get information about West Nile virus?

The PHAC and key stakeholders are providing general information and advice on reducing risks through brochures, posters, fact sheets, media briefings, news releases, Web sites and toll-free numbers.

People looking for information about West Nile activity in specific locations, including surveillance activities and proposed prevention and response plans, should contact their provincial or local health authority. If West Nile virus is detected in an area, health authorities will alert the local media and will provide the public with details on specific prevention and response measures.

Also see Other Links