The following additional birds have been confirmed positive for West Nile virus:
15 mallard ducks from the Delta Marsh area
1 wild Canada goose from the RM of Gimli
1 snowy owl at the Assiniboine Park Zoo
Subsequent tests on a previously reported eider duck and a Richardson ground squirrel both from the RM of Portage la Prairie have shown these creatures to be negative for the West Nile virus.
In Manitoba, the virus has been previously found in geese, ducks, sentinel chickens, horses and mosquito pools.
There have been no human cases of West Nile virus diagnosed in this province.
The risk for any individual to get ill remains low. New populations of mosquitoes are less likely to be infected at this time of year. However, Manitobans should continue to take steps to protect themselves.
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.
Hunting season is upon us. The extent to which West Nile virus may be present in wild game is unknown. The risk of West Nile virus transmission from handling or consuming game is considered very low. There have been no documented cases of West Nile virus being transmitted to hunters from game. However, hunters are encouraged to take precautions when handling, cleaning and cooking game birds and mammals including wearing gloves, hand washing and thorough cooking.
Public information is available by calling Health Links at 788-8200 in Winnipeg or
