National West Nile Virus Info-line

Television Public Service Announcement

For release September 8, 2003
Health Canada - FNIHB - Television public service announcement regarding West Nile virus
English transcription
Reporter: Sherri Dmyterko (dem-a-TAR-ko)

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Video (4.32 MB)

• VIDEO:
  Family playing in backyard, person walking through bush, person canoeing.
  
  AUDIO:
  West Nile virus is back for another summer in many parts of Eastern and Central Canada and knowing how to protect yourself and your family is important.
  
  

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• VIDEO:
  Variety of shots of people slapping at mosquitoes.
  
  AUDIO:
  The virus is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Keith Conn is with Health Canada.
  
  

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• VIDEO:
  Health Canada spokesperson being interviewed at outdoor location (Tunney's Pasture campus)
  
  Cutaway shots of various people rolling down sleeves of long sleeved shirt outdoors, spraying on insect repellent, checking house window screens for holes... checking tent for holes.
  
  AUDIO:
  "First Nations residents can reduce their risk of being bitten by wearing protective clothing when outdoors, limiting the time spent outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, using insect repellents that contain DEET or other approved ingredients, and ensuring that screens on doors, windows and tents are in good repair. Children are precious to all societies, and of course, children are naturally drawn to birds and animals. So it's important that we educate our children on the dangers of picking up sick or dead birds"
  
  

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• VIDEO:
  Various shots of people cleaning up standing water around yard or property... dumping water out of wading pools... turning over canoe... moving tire pile and dumping out water.. replacing water in outdoor dog dish.
  
  AUDIO:
  Mosquitoes can breed in even a small amount of standing water... so it's important to clean up around your house and property. This includes turning over small boats and wading pools when not in use, dumping water out of empty tires, wheel barrows, and other outdoor objects, and replacing water in outdoor pet dishes at least twice a week.
  
  

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• VIDEO:
  Suggest opening shot of wild bird flying (with riffle shots being fired as background noise?), or other wild animal and cutaway to person putting on rubber gloves.
  
  
  AUDIO:
  When handling dead animals and cleaning wild game, it's recommended that rubber gloves be worn.
  
  

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• VIDEO:
  Interview spokesperson... Cutaway shot of person handling wild game carcass... bird, some animal... etc.
  Person cooking bird or small animal... eating cooked item.
  
  AUDIO:
  "While the risk is low, there is some evidence that people can acquire West Nile virus through blood-to-blood contact with infected wild game or dead birds. So it's important that people wear rubber gloves when handling wild game and wash the gloves and hands thoroughly afterwards. There is no risk of getting West Nile virus from eating infected animals that are fully cooked."
  
  

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• VIDEO:
  More cutaway shots of people enjoying the outdoors... swimming, canoeing, hiking, etc.
  
  AUDIO:
  People with West Nile infection can experience no sickness or a range of sickness and it's important to know what the symptoms are and when to seek medical attention.
  
  

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• VIDEO:
  Health Canada spokesperson...
  
  If possible, shots of inside a nursing station... person talking with nurse or doctor... being examined.

  Otherwise... more cutaway shots of people of all ages, including elderly... going about daily lives... going to work, hunting, chopping wood, cooking in the kitchen... whatever will be available for shot locations.
  
  AUDIO:
  "Many people infected with West Nile have no symptoms at all, or only mild flu-like symptoms. Others may experience more like serious symptoms such as severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, and nausea. Everyone is at risk for serious health effects, but the risk increases with age and for those with weakened immune systems or chronic disease such as diabetes. So, it's important that people experiencing any of these more serious symptoms should seek medical attention right away. "
  

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• VIDEO:
  Person on the West Nile website... scrolling through the information...
  
  AUDIO:
  For the latest information on West Nile virus, visit Health Canada's website at  www.westnilevirus.gc.ca, call Health Canada's toll-free info-line at 1-800-816-7292 or contact your local nursing station or community health centre.
  
  Melanie Saunders reporting.