FRANCAIS
August 28, 2003
WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE #11
- Manitoba now has four probable cases and one confirmed case of West Nile virus human infection. WNv infection in the initial probable case from Stony Mountain was confirmed yesterday.
- The confirmed case and two probable cases have been reported to Health Canada as West Nile neurological syndrome, which includes encephalitis, meningitis or other nervous system disorders. This is the more severe but less common form of this disease. It can be life-threatening and may result in long-term complications, especially for those over the age of 50 or with chronic medical conditions.
- Two probable cases have been reported to Health Canada as West Nile fever, which is a mild illness and may include symptoms of fever, headache, sore muscles, fatigue and a rash. Full recovery is expected and it does not usually require medical care or hospitalization.
- Two rounds of adulticiding have been ordered and completed in the communities of Deloraine and Virden. One round of adulticiding has been completed in Stony Mountain, and a second round will be completed if weather permits. Adulticiding was ordered to reduce high numbers of infected Culex tarsalis mosquitoes in all three communities. At this time, there are no plans for adulticiding in other communities.
- The number of mosquito samples or pools that have tested positive for the West Nile virus is 79, of which 65 are Culex tarsalis. These samples were from Winnipeg, Winkler, Virden, Steinbach, St. Andrews, West St. Paul, Selkirk, Russell, Killarney, Deloraine, Stony Mountain and Beausejour.
- As of Wednesday, Aug. 27, 119 birds, 23 horses and 11 sentinel chickens 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 Culex tarsalis 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.
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