FRANCAIS
July 19, 2002
WEST NILE VIRUS - BULLETIN #4
A crow found in the R.M. of St. Andrews has been identified as positive for the West Nile virus. The presumptive positive test was identified last night. A confirmation test will be undertaken over the next few days. The bird was submitted on Friday, July 12, 2002.
This is the second bird found in Manitoba with the West Nile virus. The first positive bird was confirmed in Winnipeg on July 12, 2002.
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. The risk of becoming ill from West Nile virus continues to be low in Manitoba.
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 Web site at www.gov.mb.ca/health.
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