August 29, 2002
WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE - BULLETIN #21
Tests completed since August 24 have indicated 14 more horses have now tested positive for West Nile virus. These horses are located in the rural municipalities of Harrison (2), St. Clements (1), Grey (2), Wallace (1), Daly (1), Oakland (1), Miniota (2), Woodworth (2), Sifton (1) and Winchester (1).
This brings the total number of horses found in the province with the virus this year to 26.
A crow from Steinbach, a crow from Brandon, a crow from Winnipeg and a magpie from Winnipeg have tested positive for West Nile virus. This brings the total number of birds from the crow family that have tested positive for the virus to 56.
A Richardson ground squirrel from the RM of Portage La Prairie has tested positive for West Nile virus. In Manitoba, the virus has also been found in geese, sentinel chickens, a duck and mosquito pools. There have been no cases of West Nile virus diagnosed among people in this province.
Surveillance shows that the virus has been found throughout most of southern Manitoba and supports the recommendation that Manitobans should continue to take steps to protect themselves and minimize the potential for mosquito bites particularly in the evening (dusk) when it is still warm from the day and mosquitoes are more active.
Even though there are fewer mosquitoes in the province right now, the above information indicates that some mosquitoes are carrying the virus. Manitobans can minimize mosquito bites by:
fixing screens;
wearing protective clothing;
using mosquito repellent with DEET, and
reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours at dawn and dusk.
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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