FRANCAIS

July 15, 2002

The Manitoba government today announced that it will work with municipalities on mosquito control as required if the West Nile virus is discovered outside of Winnipeg.

Last week, a crow tested "presumptive positive" for the virus and has been submitted for further tests. The crow was found July 7 in Winnipeg. The West Nile virus surveillance program is continuing to operate.

Health Minister Dave Chomiak also announced that the province is expanding its public education to include a new public awareness campaign that will advise Manitobans that they can take preventative action by reducing standing water in their own backyards. The campaign is in development for immediate release.

"The threat of West Nile virus remains extremely low in Manitoba and it’s important for people to remain calm and remember that no person in Canada has ever been reported to have been diagnosed with the virus," Chomiak said.

"However, it is also important for us to use the preventative tools that are within our grasp and public health officials say that one of the best things Manitobans can do to control mosquitoes is to reduce standing water in containers in their own backyards. I encourage Manitobans to act on this sound advice."

Research shows that containers with standing water are among the worst culprits for breeding mosquitoes that may contain the West Nile virus. Such containers include pool covers, flower pots, rain barrels, pet bowls, wading pools, old tires and other debris that captures water. Bird baths should be emptied regularly to kill mosquito eggs and larvae that can develop in water that’s allowed to stand for four days or more.

Chomiak said, if West Nile is discovered outside of Winnipeg, municipalities will have the opportunity to enter into agreements similar to the province’s spring larviciding program. That program was a cost-shared initiative involving the City of Winnipeg and 10 capital region municipalities.

"We want to extend the type of partnership that we have with the City of Winnipeg and capital region municipalities to other municipalities," he said. "At the same time, we want to continue to remind Manitobans that we can work together to reduce standing water in our own backyards and prevent mosquitoes from hatching."

Chomiak also released Manitoba’s five-point plan for dealing with the West Nile virus. The minister said much work has been done over the past two years in response to the increasing presence of the West Nile Virus in the United States and Canada. It remains extremely rare for people to contract the virus.

"I think it’s important for public confidence that Manitobans realize that health and conservation officials have been working hard in preparation for the appearance of the virus in our province. We will continue to support bird surveillance, public education and mosquito control programs for the benefit of our citizens and their families."

Manitobans are encouraged to wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants when outside and consider wearing mosquito repellent containing DEET. DEET is not recommended for children under the age of six months.

Birds of the crow family are more susceptible to the virus and the public is encouraged to continue reporting any dead crows, magpies, gray or blue jays and ravens to Health Links at 788-8200, or outside of Winnipeg at 1-888-315-9257. Horses are also susceptible to the virus, however, the illness is very rare in dogs and cats.

Further public information on the West Nile Virus can be obtained by visiting the public health section of the Manitoba Health Web site at www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.

- 30 -

NOTE: The public and the media will be informed of any developments on an
ongoing basis.

• Dead bird (members of the crow family) pickup and testing program begins as an early warning system
• Additional staff hired at Health Links to manage a dedicated telephone line
• West Nile Virus Technical Advisory Committee established
• Letters to doctors regarding symptoms of West Nile virus
• Bird-testing equipment purchased for labs

West Nile Public Education Program

• Public Education campaign launched, including recent newspaper ad campaign
• Web site established at www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv
• Pamphlets and posters distributed to stakeholders including Regional Health Authorities, physicians, conservation officers, veterinary offices, wildlife agencies and municipalities
• Public advised of ways to eliminate container water and reduce mosquito bites

• Recent amendments to the Environment Act allow the minister of health to take additional action with respect to mosquito control, including fogging within "buffer" zones

• Ongoing residential fogging campaign in Winnipeg, which was expanded July 12 by ministerial order
• Ongoing larviciding campaign, which began in spring of 2002 inside Winnipeg and the surrounding areas

• Manitoba continues to submit bird carcasses to the Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health
• A network of public health officers share information and best practices across Canada and the United States
• On-going research and surveillance efforts shared by all three levels of government and across government departments