FRANCAIS
July 17, 2002
WEST NILE VIRUS BULLETIN #3
Bird and mosquito surveillance are both important to monitoring the West Nile virus. The City of Winnipeg has increased the number and type of mosquito traps in and around the city to test and monitor mosquitoes.
In addition, traps are being set up in four different areas of southern Manitoba. Mosquito numbers and traps will continue to be monitored in the province.
Mosquito repellant with DEET is the most effective for minimizing mosquito bites. Health Canada has recommended the following:
- Children up to six months: no DEET products should be used, mosquito netting on strollers and cribs
- Children from six months to two years: products with up to 10 per cent DEET concentrations once a day
- Children from two years to 12 years: products with up to 10 per cent DEET concentrations up to three times a day
- 12 years and up: products with up to 30 per cent DEET concentration
Due to the volume of calls and the impact of the heat, birds reported since Friday may not be picked up. Most of the birds will no longer be fresh enough for testing and can be disposed of in garbage destined for a landfill. However, Manitobans are encouraged to continue reporting dead birds from the crow family as the information is still helpful in tracking the West Nile virus, even if the bird cannot be tested. Health Links will provide information on dead bird disposal. Do not touch any dead animal or bird with bare hands. Specific information on dead bird disposal is also available on the government Web site at www.gov.mb.ca/health.
Health Links has been able to catch up on almost the entire backlog of calls received since Friday. Calls are now being answered almost immediately.
To date, 133 birds have been picked up throughout Manitoba and 105 have been sent for testing. One bird has tested positive for the West Nile Virus. Last year, a total of 98 birds were tested and all were negative.
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, in 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.
Public information is available by calling Health Links at 788-8200 in Winnipeg or
1-888-315-9257 or checking the Manitoba Health Website at www.gov.mb.ca/health.
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Tip of the Day: Change the water in birdbaths twice a week and keep them clean.
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