FRANCAIS

August 21, 2003

Manitoba is issuing a health order to adulticide the community of Stony Mountain to reduce the numbers of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus.

"Stony Mountain had the first probable human case of the virus and our information shows that adulticiding can help protect residents from the virus," said Health Minister Dave Chomiak. "We will continue to vigilantly monitor and gather information to ensure appropriate actions are taken to protect the health of Manitobans."

The first probable human case of West Nile virus is believed to have been contracted in the Stony Mountain area. Information about mosquitoes in the area has been gathered and analyzed and shows a significant number of infected Culex tarsalis mosquitoes. Based on these facts, adulticiding has been recommended for Stony Mountain.

Adulticiding has also been ordered for the communities of Deloraine and Virden to reduce high numbers of infected Culex tarsalis mosquitoes in both communities.

The Stony Mountain order is based on a provincial declaration issued under the Environment Act earlier this week.

Adulticiding for Culex tarsalis occurs in the evening and at night, depending on weather conditions including wind speeds and temperatures. General precautions are suggested any time pesticides are in use. These include closing all doors and windows, turning off fans and air conditioners or setting them to exhaust. Residents should stay away from working trucks while spraying is underway. Remove clothes and children’s toys from outdoor areas and/or wash any household items or toys left outside before using them. Ensure home-grown fruits and vegetables are washed.

The Culex tarsalis is the main carrier of West Nile virus in Manitoba. The number of mosquito samples or pools that have tested positive for the West Nile virus is now 49, of which 44 are Culex tarsalis. These samples were from Winnipeg, Winkler, Virden, Steinbach, St. Andrews, West St. Paul, Selkirk, Russell, Killarney, Deloraine, Stony Mountain and Beausejour.

To date there have been 113 birds, 14 horses and seven sentinel chickens that have been found with the West Nile virus.

The surveillance data shows the presence of the virus throughout most of Southern Manitoba and that the risk of contracting West Nile virus in Manitoba has increased.

All Manitobans, especially those over the age of 50 or with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems, 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.

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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NOTE: This release also constitutes Weekly West Nile Virus Update #10.