FRANCAIS

June 13, 2003

Health Minister Dave Chomiak today said Manitoba is in a state of readiness to address the West Nile virus (WNv).

"Our extensive program is not only dealing with this potential health issue but is also helping to prepare for other public health threats that may confront us in the future," said Chomiak.

While providing a progress report on the 2003 WNv program, the minister noted all of the program initiatives announced in April are well underway including:

• the handling of more than 1,500 calls through Health Links for information relating to West Nile virus;
• mounting a comprehensive public education program including a brochure, fact sheets, and television, radio and newspaper ads, all promoting personal protection, mosquito control around the home and bird surveillance;
• implementing regional response teams to provide West Nile virus program expertise, guidance and training in five regions throughout the province;
• implementing a mapping and larval sampling program to monitor the presence and activity of Culex mosquitoes throughout the province;
• posting the 2003 West Nile virus program planning information for municipalities on the Manitoba government’s West Nile virus Web site along with the process for submitting applications for cost-shared mosquito control measures in response to WNv; and
• the placing of adult mosquito traps throughout the province. A testing laboratory will be functioning by late June.

There has been no confirmed case of West Nile virus in humans or animals in Manitoba in 2003 but the virus is expected to appear sometime during the summer.

As of June 12, 111 tests have been completed on birds collected by the program.

Chomiak said as Manitoba moves into its warm season, taking precautions to reduce standing water and protect oneself will be key to limiting the spread of mosquito-carried viruses that may cause disease.

"While there hasn’t been any evidence of West Nile virus, we must continue to work to reduce the potential for serious illness," said Chomiak. "I hope everyone joins us in our fight against West Nile by protecting themselves against mosquito bites and by cleaning up standing water and debris around their homes where mosquitoes may breed."

The Manitoba government Web site on West Nile virus has information about the virus and how to reduce the risk of contracting the disease. The site can be viewed at http://www.gov.mb.ca.

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