FRANCAIS

August 19, 2003

The Manitoba government will be issuing a health order under the Environment Act to begin adulticiding the towns of Virden and Deloraine because of the high numbers of adult Culex tarsalis mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus found in both towns.

Health Minister Dave Chomiak made the request for the health order to Acting Conservation Minister Oscar Lathlin.

"We are taking steps to reduce risk and protect the health of residents in the areas," said Chomiak. "In addition to this effort, residents are urged to take steps to protect themselves by using mosquito repellent, avoiding the outdoors from dusk to dawn and wearing long, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing."

Chomiak added that the province will increase it’s mosquito surveillance efforts.

The minister noted that adulticiding is one of many components of the province’s West Nile virus program. Breeding source reduction, surveillance, mapping and larviciding, which are overseen by five regional response teams, are other important components of the province’s response to the West Nile virus, he added.

"I’m pleased to see the regional response teams working with the municipalities to respond in an effective way to the challenges of this new virus," said Lathlin. "By working together as individuals and governments, we’re able to deal with this issue in the best way possible."

The Culex tarsalis mosquito is the carrier of West Nile virus in Manitoba and at this time of year there are more of this type of mosquito that are more likely to bite humans, possibly transmitting the disease.

Most of the time, people infected by the West Nile virus will have no symptoms and will not become ill. Of those who do become ill, most will have a mild illness including fever, headache and body ache. Less frequently, the virus can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain that can lead to death. This is more likely to occur among older adults and people with chronic diseases and weakened immune systems.

Adulticiding occurs in the evening and at night, depending on weather conditions, and will begin within the next two days. General precautions are suggested any time pesticides are used. These general precautions would include closing all doors and windows. Residents should stay away from working trucks while spraying is underway. Fans and air conditioners should be turned off or set at exhaust. Remove clothes and children’s toys from outdoor areas. Wash any household items or toys left outside before using them, and ensure fruits and vegetables are washed.

All Manitobans are encouraged to:

• reduce the amount of time outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active;
• wear light-coloured, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outside;
• use insect repellent containing DEET; and
• check that door and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes.

Emptying standing water that may collect in old tires, children’s toys, pet bowls, wading pools and other items that may collect water can also help reduce the numbers of mosquitoes.

For more information visit http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv or call Health Links at 1-888-315-9257 or 788-8200 in Winnipeg.

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