FRANCAIS

September 12, 2002

• Sixty-five additional horses have been identified as positive for West Nile virus in Manitoba. We are in the process of notifying municipalities. More detailed information will follow tomorrow. This brings the total number of horses identified with West Nile virus to 101.


• In Manitoba, the virus also has been found previously in birds of the crow family, geese, ducks, sentinel chickens, an owl and mosquitoes.
• There have been no human cases of West Nile virus diagnosed in this province.


• The risk of illness for any individual 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, washing hands and cooking thoroughly.


• 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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