Radio Public Service Announcement - 1

For release September 8, 2003
Health Canada - West Nile First Nation
Radio Wrap-Around - Script 1
Reporter: Sherri Dmyterko (dem-a-TAR-ko)
Length: 1:12 seconds (voiceover)

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Anchor Lead: (read by news anchor)

While many people are enjoying outdoor activities this year, the pesky bite of a mosquito carries the potential threat of West Nile virus. It's important to know how to protect yourself, and how to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Sherri Dmyterko reports.

Wrap-Around Script: (narration by Sherri Dmyterko)

West Nile virus is now found in many parts of Canada and knowing how to protect yourself and your family is important. The virus is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Keith Conn is with the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada.

(Interview with Keith Conn)

First Nations can minimize their risks of getting mosquito bites this summer by wearing protective clothing, limiting the time spent outside during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, using mosquito repellents containing DEET or other approved ingredients, and ensuring that screens on doors and windows and tents are in good repair.

(narration by Sherri Dmyterko)

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 old tires, buckets, planters, and other outdoor objects, and replacing water in outdoor pet dishes at least twice a week. 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.

Sherri Dmyterko reporting.