Expert says virus can migrate to B.C. from Washington State

SFU biology professor Carl Lowenberger is available to comment about the West Nile virus found in two samples of mosquitoes collected in Yakima County in Washington State. “There’s a possibility it could get up here in B.C.,” he says. “It’s unpredictable. But with cooler temperatures here on the coast, my suspicion is that we are fine. There have been no cases of the West Nile virus in B.C. as of yet.”

Carl Lowenberger, 778.782.3985, clowenbe@sfu.ca

Obesity declared a disease in the U.S.

The American Medical Association recently declared obesity is a disease. SFU’s Michel Joffres, a professor who specializes in population health, is unsure whether the decision will carry more harm than benefit. “What needs to happen is taking prevention more seriously and doing something about it,” he says. “Calling obesity a disease is not where the focus needs to be in my view. Recognizing and doing something about its determinants is where the focus should be. And I believe that is where their intention is.”

Michel Joffres, 778.782.7191, mjoffres@sfu.ca