A2 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, April 30, 2003 Warning issued as West Nile virus begins new move MEDICAL AUTHORITIES here are emphasizing per- sonal protection to reduce the West Nile virus ha- zard. That's because it will be almost impossible to contain mosquitoes, which carry the virus after first picking it up from crows, says Dr. Isaac Sobol of the Northern Health Authority, Wearing long-sleeved shirts, avoiding being out- side at dawn or dusk, wearing hats and using in- sect repellent containing DEET wil! be more effec- tive against mosquito bites, Sobol said. “And screens on win- dows, A lot of people don’t have screens on their windows,” Sobol added. His comments follow the expected arrival this year in the northwest of the West Nile virus which, at its worst, can cause po- tentially life-threatening encephalitis in one to two per cent of the population that is bitten by a virus- bearing mosquito. ' Crow and mosquito virus carriers are likely ta first appear in the eastern and southern areas of the province. “And when it gets here, From front Horse owners brace ‘horse owners are taking ‘the West Nile threat ser- ously. “! think there was a lot -of complacency at first — | ‘some people were saying ‘they'll worry about it when ‘it gets here,” said Coffey- ‘Sturko. ‘ “But I think now people ‘are becoming more aware ‘and more nervous. It’s starting to sink in.” The couple is even -wondering if there will be -a lot of owners taking their ‘horses to different shows varound. the northwest.,:.::.., Isaac Sobol it will stay,” Sobol said. Health officials say the majority of those bitten will have no signs of in- fection and that about 20 per cent of people will de- velop flu-like symptoms. But it’s that one to two per cent of the population that will be most affected that has medical authori- ties most worried. Sobol said the B.C. Centre for Disease Control has set up a testing facility for dead crows in Abbots- ford to help determine when the virus hits regions around the province. “We're not that worried about a single dead crow. But if there are three or It may be that some horse shows will require owners to show proof their animals have been inocu- lated against West Nile or to have proof of a negative test showing for other af- flictions, said Sturko. Local veterinarian Dr, David Farkvam says he’s certain the virus will show up in B.C, this summer. “The way it’s moved through North America, I'm sure it'll be in southern B.C. this year and it will be brought up by migrating -,birds,” Farkvam says. more in a small area, such as a city block, please call us. Don’t handle the bird yourself,” Sobol said. Health authorities are also interested in dead jays, Magpies and ravens with, which crows, are part of the corvid family. Sobol added that the health authority’s environ- mental health officers have safe handling and transport equipment. A limited number of traps to catch and then test mosquitoes will also be put out in the area. And even though the health authority is empha- sizing personal protection, people are being encour- aged to check their yards. “Eliminate still or stag- nant water where mosqui- toes can thrive,” said Sobol. That extends to remov- ing discarded tires and open containers in which water can collect. Sobol said items such as bird feeders with run- ning water flowing into or through them should be OK. ; Local governments are also being told to consider using larvicide on wet- lands near populated areas. for virus He says Terrace isn’t as isolated as many might think. “Horses are moving and birds are flying,” he says. “People are transplanting animals into this area, they are importing semen.” Farkvam has so far in- oculated between 150 and 200 horses in the Terrace area, including his own. If enough other horse owners agree, Farkvam is willing to set up a mass inoculation at ane loca- tion. “ABET Stet Use.caution with. insect repellents PARENTS WITH young children who want to pro- tect them as much as pos- sible from West Nile Vir- us-bearing mosquitoes are being told to be very care- ful when using insect re- pellent. While DEET is effec- tive, products containing it should be used sparingly, report federal authorities. And in the case of in- fants under six months, DEET should not be used at all, says the federal Pest Management Regula- tory Agency. For children from six months to two years, the use of 1 application per day may be considered in situations where a high risk of complications from insect bites exist. The product should be applied sparingly and not be applied to the face and hands and contain only 10 per cent DEET. On children between 2- 12 years of age, the least concentrated product (10 per cent DEET or less) should be used and applied no more than three times - per day. SEAFOOD & STEAK HOUSE We will make all your fishes come true! For a dinner entree or light meal we feature halibut, black cod, salmon, crab, prawns, shrimps, oysters, steaks, chicken, lamb and duck, served in a casual dining atmosphere. Qpen Monday thru Saturday at 5 p.m. ~ For reservations call (250) 624-9309 Pacific Inn, 909-3rd Ave. West, Prince Rupert, B.C. a bringing wall-belng to life 4 Living wit To assist you, our pharmacy is hosting a Diabetes Day. Come and meet our registered dietitian/nutritionist, pharmacist and diabetes educator todiscuss: * The Importance of good nutrition + Meal planning made easy * The Importance of carbohydrates This event will also include: * Blood glucose monitoring * Blood pressure monitoring * Coupons on diabetes products h Diabetes is a Matter of Control... Yours. Wednesday, May 7th 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. 4731 Lakelse Ave., Terrace 250-635-4021 Appointments recommended, A fee will be charged for this service, Free for Save-On-More Cardhalders. Call to book your save(J))foods appointment today. Onafovr Hine Pome WES eS gc Baste hteg * The brightlife™ Diabetes Program is made possible through support from: ge Luvioe hee aad The use of insect repel- lent on young children has one parent concerned about its effects. “’m worried we’re all going to overdose our kids [on DEET] because we're all so afraid,” said Trish Coffey-Sturko of New Remo on how parents will react. She’s also worried that it will be difficult for par- ents to tell the difference -between a normal flu or other illness and the virus because the latter shows symptoms similar to the former. (Fz. PRINCESS whare i belong . ‘Kidney disease strikes families, not only individuals. | When a Kidney Foundation volunteer knocks on your doar, please give generously, * THE KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF CANADA . woww.kidney.ca REGIONAL DISTRICT OF KITIMAT-STIKINE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN Plan Monitoring Advisory Committee The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine Solid Waste Management Plan Monitoring Advisory Committee (PMAC} assists with the implementation and administration of the Regional District's Solid Waste Management Plan. The PMAC acts in an odvisory role to the Regional District Board and staff on issues related to reduction and reuse, education, recycling and composting initiatives, landfilling strategies, costs of the plan components and olher matters as required. £ Persons residing in the Terrace area who wish lo bé considered for Board appoint ment to the PMAC should submit their name, address, and a short statement of their interest and background related to solid waste management by May 12, 2003 to: Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine 300-4545 Lazelle Avenue, Terrace B.C. V8G 4E1 Phone: 615-6100, Fax: 635-9222. Sail later Secure your future sailing for less! Princess One Week Sale April 26-May 3 "Additional .- ‘Onboard -. “Value*™* k only! Buok.a Balcony Bec spe oa | Get a Free: ft. Princess Terry § ~ ‘Bathrobe*** 5 °$159 CAD - One time deposit per person in Canadian Funds. No other payments required until {ull payment due date May be combined wih mast publicly available alfers for individuals, groups of past passengers. Offer does not apply to Christmas, New Year's, Inaugurat sailings or sailings tess than 7 days duration. **Additional Onboard Value: Some restric: tions apply. Call for full details. *** Book a balcony cabin on any of the CWT featured Top 10 sailings and receive a Free Princess Terry Bathrobe. Maximum 2 per cabin, All offers applicable to new bookings made between Apuil 26th and May 3rd. All other reservation policies apply. Call today for details! Suite 2 - 4736 Lakelse Ave., Terrace 6 T7 OPEN SATURDAY AM 9504-4 Wagonlit all L- ict Py ia B.C, Teachers’ Federation nited Nations _ rules B.C. government violates teachers’ rights The International Labour Organization, a United Nations body, has ruled that six B.C. Liberal laws violate fundamental rights that are respected in democracies around the world. These laws have had a devastating impact on public education in B.C. The ILO recommends that the B.C, government repeal one bill and amend the others to comply with UN conventions Canada has signed. Teachers agree. Canadians expect elected officials to respect international law, but Premier Gordon Campbell says he feels “no pressure whatsoever” to bring these bills into harmony with our UN commitments. We must hold his government accountable. Please contact Premier ee Campbell and Education Minister Christy Clark and let them know they're... ee not above the law. Oe Premier Campbell's office: 250-387-1715 premier@gov.bc.ca Education Minister Clark's office: a 250-387-1977 minister.educ@gems7.gov.be.ca For more information on the UN ruling, go to betfca. A message from the teachers of British Columbia | and more than 200,000 colleagues across Canada _ Canadian Teachers! Fedeeation