News Release
2003-57
July 16, 2003
For immediate release
Health Canada launches national West Nile virus public education campaign
OTTAWA - Today the Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Health, announced
the launch of Health Canada's national West Nile virus public education campaign.
"In addition to the West Nile virus web site and the national West Nile virus toll-free
line, this campaign will ensure that Canadians have on-going and accurate information about
West Nile virus," said the Minister. "This campaign, which complements existing provincial
campaigns, will help Canadians understand the risks associated with West Nile virus infection
and provide information on what they can do to lower their risk of infection. We are also
pleased to be partnering with a number of retail outlets, non-governmental organizations
and other federal departments on this very important campaign."
Partnerships have been established with over 13 national retail chains, which will have
posters/displays and information flyers in over 3,700 retail outlets across Canada. The
flyers provide basic information about West Nile virus and direct Canadians to Health Canada's
West Nile virus toll-free line and web site for the latest information.
Health Canada has also developed awareness material targeted specifically to First Nations.
An information poster has been mailed to households on reserve, and to friendship centres,
outlining the steps people can take to protect themselves against West Nile virus. As well,
an information pamphlet has been developed and sent to nursing stations and community health
centres on reserve. Health Canada regional offices have held information sessions for residents.
Parks Canada and Communications Canada are distributing information on West Nile virus
through their networks across the country. Health Canada is also partnering with non-governmental
organizations, such as the Canadian Public Health Association and the Canadian Tourism
Commission and the Retail Council of Canada.
"The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) is pleased to be in partnership with Health
Canada and other national voluntary health organizations to deliver a timely public education
and awareness campaign on West Nile Virus," said Gerald Dafoe, Chief Executive Officer,
CPHA. "Promoting health and preventing disease are the very foundation of a public health
approach in dealing with emerging health concerns such as West Nile Virus."
"West Nile Virus is a serious public health issue, which is why Retail Council of Canada
fully supports the participating retailers and Health Canada in their efforts to educate
Canadians about West Nile prevention," said Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO of Retail
Council of Canada. "As the association representing Canada's retail industry, we intend
to inform our members about Health Canada's efforts and encourage them to get involved."
Health Canada would like to remind Canadians about the preventive measures they can take
to protect themselves from West Nile virus infection. These measures include eliminating
places where mosquitoes can breed, reporting dead birds and avoiding mosquito bites. More
information, including safety tips on using insect repellents, is available on Health Canada's
web site at  www.westnilevirus.gc.ca or by calling the toll-free Infoline
at 1-800-816-7292.
Health Canada remains committed to ensuring all Canadians have access to credible, reliable
and timely information about West Nile virus.
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Media Inquiries:
Emmanuel Chabot
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803
Farah Mohamed
Office of Anne McLellan
Minister of Health
(613) 957-1694
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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