FRANCAIS
August 07, 2003
WEEKLY WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE #8
As of noon on August 6, a total of 95 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, 740 birds have been tested for WNv in Manitoba.
As of August 6, two horses have tested positive for West Nile virus. One of the positive horses, which later died, was found in the RM of Birtle. The other was found in the RM of Franklin.
Manitoba’s mosquito surveillance program has identified increased presence of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes throughout southern Manitoba. To date, two Culex tarsalis adult mosquito pools have been confirmed positive for WNv, both from mosquito surveillance traps in Steinbach.
Mosquito surveillance traps are located at strategic sites throughout southern Manitoba. Last year, 15 positive mosquito pools were identified in Manitoba. Mosquito surveillance began earlier and is more extensive this year.
A sentinel chicken tested on July 30 in the City of Winnipeg was found to have West Nile virus antibodies, indicating infection by the virus.
There have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported in Manitoba.
Ten Manitoba communities will receive funding under the Manitoba government’s cost-sharing plan for West Nile virus mosquito control activities.
Under the cost-sharing plan, the Manitoba government provides 75 per cent of the funding and the municipality or community provides the remainder of the funds for mosquito control activities. The application process for the cost-sharing plan is ongoing.
The WNv risk for individuals remains low but, as the summer progresses, it is anticipated that the risk of being bitten by an infected Culex mosquito will continue to increase.
Therefore, Manitobans are reminded they can reduce mosquito bites by wearing long, 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. The risk of serious illness from WNv is higher for individuals over 50 years of age or with medical conditions affecting their immune systems.
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 their yard is clear of tires or other debris that collect water.
Manitobans can still 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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