FRANCAIS
July 26, 2002
WEST NILE VIRUS BULLETIN #9
On July 26, 2002, two birds in were identified as positive for West Nile virus. A blue jay found in the southeastern part of Winnipeg on July 20, 2002, is confirmed positive. In addition, a crow found in the R.M. of Whitehead on July 19, 2002, is presumptive positive.
Public reporting of dead bird sightings from the crow family (crows, ravens, magpies, blue jays and gray jays) in Winnipeg is still important. However, to track the virus, a greater emphasis will be placed on testing birds in areas where there have not been positive results. For this reason, birds from areas already testing positive for West Nile virus will receive a lower priority for pick-up.
Ten birds in Manitoba have now been confirmed positive for West Nile virus:
|
Type of Bird |
Location |
Date Confirmed |
|
Crow |
Winnipeg |
July 15, 2002 |
|
Crow |
R.M. of St. Andrews |
July 19, 2002 |
|
Crow |
Winnipeg |
July 19, 2002 |
|
Magpie |
R.M. of Tache |
July 23, 2002 |
|
Crow |
Winnipeg |
July 24, 2002 |
|
Crow |
Winnipeg |
July 25, 2002 |
|
Blue Jay |
Winnipeg |
July 25, 2002 |
|
Raven |
Winnipeg |
July 25, 2002 |
|
Blue Jay |
Winnipeg |
July 26, 2002 |
|
Crow |
R.M. of Whitehead |
Presumptive Positive |
- 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 wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, using mosquito repellent with DEET, 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 http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
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