FRANCAIS

August 19, 2003

• The first probable human case of West Nile virus infection has been identified in Manitoba. The individual, a Stony Mountain resident in his forties, is recovering at home after a brief hospital stay. The individual has been reported to Health Canada as a probable case of West Nile neurological syndrome, which can include mild or serious cases of encephalitis and/or meningitis. It appears that the likely source of the virus was infected mosquitoes from the Stony Mountain area in late July.
• The province is considering appropriate next steps in the light of the probable case and will continue to work closely with community officials.
• 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.
• The Culex tarsalis mosquito is the carrier of West Nile virus in Manitoba. There has been an increased number of infected Culex tarsalis in some parts of Manitoba. The recent hot weather is linked to increased activity among Culex, particularly in the evenings and overnight.
• Manitobans are advised 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.

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 at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.

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