FRANCAIS
July 24, 2003
WEEKLY WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE #6
As of 6 p.m. July 23, a total of 82 birds have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNv) in Manitoba. Positive birds have been identified in all regional response team areas except the North. For more information visit: http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv/stats.html.
Since May 1, 2003, 719 birds have been tested for WNv in Manitoba.
Manitoba’s mosquito surveillance program has identified a Culex tarsalis WNv positive mosquito pool in the Eastern regional response team area. The mosquito pool was from a mosquito surveillance trap in Steinbach. Mosquito surveillance traps are located at strategic sites throughout southern Manitoba.
Culex tarsalis mosquitoes prefer hot weather and conditions are favourable for their development at this time of year. Last year, 15 positive mosquito pools were identified in Manitoba. Mosquito surveillance began earlier and is more extensive this year.
There have been no human cases of West Nile virus diagnosed in Manitoba.
Manitobans are reminded they can 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. Individuals over 50 years of age or with medical conditions, including pregnancy, may wish to pay particular attention to these precautions.
Manitobans can reduce the numbers of mosquitoes around their homes 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;
aerating ornamental ponds;
cleaning out eaves troughs;
cleaning and emptying bird baths weekly;
ensuring rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening or sealed tightly around the downspout; and
making sure your yard is clear of tires or other debris that collect water.
Manitobans can help detect the arrival of West Nile virus in their area by reporting dead crows, blue jays, magpies or ravens to Health Links. 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.
For more information on reducing mosquito breeding sites, check out the Manitoba Health Web site at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
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 West Nile virus Web site.
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