FRANCAIS
June 25, 2003
WEST NILE VIRUS BULLETIN #2
A dead magpie found on June 19 in the Rural Municipality of Portage La Prairie has been confirmed as positive for West Nile virus (WNv). This is the second confirmed bird with WNv in Manitoba this year. A crow found in the RM of East St. Paul on June 10 was the first confirmation.
As of June 25, more than 325 birds have been tested for West Nile virus (WNv) in Manitoba. The bird surveillance program began May 1.
There have been no human cases of West Nile virus diagnosed in Manitoba. This year, to date, there have been no reports of human cases of WNv in North America.
Testing birds from the crow family provides an early indication of West Nile virus in mosquitoes near the location of a found dead bird. Manitobans in Winnipeg and rural Manitoba can continue to help detect the arrival of West Nile virus in their area by reporting dead crows, blue jays, magpies or ravens to Health Links at 788-8200 in Winnipeg (outside of Winnipeg toll-free at 1-888-315-9257).
Once testing has demonstrated the presence of WNv in a specific area, further pickup and testing of birds in that area will be given a lower priority than birds found in areas where WNv has not yet been discovered.
Links to pictures of birds from the crow family can be viewed under the topic of bird surveillance at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
Handling and disposing of dead birds and small animals can be done safely. Health Links and the Manitoba Health West Nile virus Web site have further information on how to safely handle a dead bird or animal.
Remember, Manitobans can:
- reduce mosquitoes by emptying standing water that may collect in backyards, old tires, children's toys, pet bowls, wading pools or stagnant ponds, or under flower pots; and
- reduce mosquito bites by wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, using mosquito repellent with DEET and reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours at dawn and dusk.
Public information about West Nile virus is available by calling Health Links at 788-8200 in Winnipeg or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257. Additional information is available on the Manitoba Health Web site at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv. Weekly bulletins will provide regular updates to this information.
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