Moved by Edwards – Pilon. Approved January 16, 2003 by the Sudbury & District Board of Health.
Motion
WHEREAS there has been significant illness in Ontario and the United States related to West Nile virus; and
WHEREAS the demand on public health resources and personnel related to West Nile virus is expected to escalate in 2003; and
WHEREAS the detection of West Nile virus-positive birds in Sudbury during the summer of 2002 means that the Sudbury & District Health Unit must prepare to prevent human West Nile virus infection in 2003; and
WHEREAS preventing human West Nile virus infection involves costs associated with public communication and education campaigns and bird and mosquito surveillance programs; and
WHEREAS activity related to West Nile virus is not budgeted for within the context of the existing Mandatory Health Programs and Services Guidelines;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT this Board of Health directs the Medical Officer of Health to request that the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care provide 100% provincial funding for the effective implementation of West Nile virus prevention and control activities;
AND FURTHERMORE THAT this Board of Health seeks the support of other Ontario Boards of Health and constituent municipalities in this matter.