FRANCAIS

August 14, 2003

• Manitoba’s mosquito surveillance program has identified an increased presence of infected Culex tarsalis mosquitoes in southern Manitoba. To date, 10 samples of adult Culex tarsalis mosquitoes have been confirmed positive for West Nile virus (WNv) and one Aedes vexans sample. The infected mosquito pools (samples) were found in surveillance traps in Steinbach (two Culex tarsalis, one Aedes vexans), Winkler (two), Portage la Prairie (one) and Winnipeg (five).
• Mosquito surveillance traps are located at strategic sites throughout southern Manitoba. Last year, 15 infected mosquito pools (samples) were identified in Manitoba.
• The WNv risk for individuals remains low but as the summer progresses, it is anticipated that the risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito will continue to increase.
• Manitobans are advised to 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.
• There have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported in Manitoba.
• As of noon on Aug. 13, a total of 101 birds have tested positive for West Nile virus in Manitoba. Positive birds have been identified in all regional response team areas except the North. The most northern position is Swan River. For more information visit: http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv/stats.html.
• Since May 1, 2003, 765 birds have been tested for WNv in Manitoba.
• Manitobans can still help detect the arrival of West Nile virus in their local area by reporting dead crows, blue jays, magpies or ravens to Health Links. Once testing has demonstrated the presence of WNv in a local 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. However, sightings of dead corvids which do not get tested are being recorded in all areas for evaluation as a surveillance indicator.
• As of Aug. 13, four horses have tested positive for West Nile virus in the rural municipalities of Birtle, Franklin and Rockwood, and Winnipeg.
• Twelve Manitoba communities will receive funding under the Manitoba government’s cost-sharing plan for West Nile virus mosquito control activities. These are Winnipeg, East St. Paul, West St. Paul, Morris, Altona, Winkler, Morden, Carman, Portage La Prairie, Winnipeg Beach, Steinbach and Oak Bank.
• 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.
• Manitobans can still 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 and other items that may collect water.
• 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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