FRANCAIS
July 16, 2002
WEST NILE VIRUS BULLETIN #2
The West Nile virus was confirmed yesterday in a crow found in Winnipeg. Manitoba has had one positive bird so far this year. A total of 94 birds has been submitted to the federal laboratory for testing so far.
West Nile virus is carried by mosquitoes. It affects people, animals and birds. Most people will never get sick from it, although in rare cases, it can cause serious illness.
Manitobans can help by:
- reducing standing water that may collect in backyards, old tires, children’s toys, pet bowls, wading pools or stagnant ponds, or under flower pots;
- minimizing mosquito bites by using mosquito repellant with DEET and reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours at dawn and dusk; and
- reporting dead birds only from the crow family which includes blue jays, ravens, magpies, gray jays and crows.
Birds from the crow family that have recently died are the most useful for testing. Sightings of dead birds, even if they are not picked up, are still useful in tracking the disease. Pictures of the birds can be accessed through www.gov.mb.ca/health. Yesterday, Health Links returned 261 phone calls related to dead birds and will be returning 231 calls today. Additional staff has been assigned to answer calls.
If the West Nile virus is detected in other parts of the province, the government will work with municipalities to plan and cost-share larviciding efforts similar to the arrangement in the capital region. All municipalities can play an active role by participating in efforts to reduce standing water and continuing to support public education efforts.
Health Canada regulators agree with the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States which concluded that, when Malathion is used appropriately, there is very low potential for human exposure or health effects. It was approved as safe to use after rigorous assessment.
West Nile virus can affect horses. Other livestock will not be affected.. A vaccine is available for horses. Manitoba Agriculture and Food has already sent a letter to all veterinary practitioners to advise them about the vaccine. Practitioners have in turn advised producers in their area.
Public information is available by calling Health Links at 788-8200 in Winnipeg or
1-888-315-9257. Further information is available on the Manitoba Health Web site at www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
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