FRANCAIS
September 11, 2003
WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE #13
The first human death attributed to West Nile virus infection in Manitoba has been identified. The individual, a man in his sixties from Portage la Prairie died from West Nile virus neurological syndrome. He also had an underlying chronic medical condition.
In addition, there are seven new probable human cases of West Nile virus infection in Manitoba, bringing the total number of West Nile human cases to 18--two confirmed and 16 probable.
Five women and two men ranging in age from 49 to 70 have been identified. These individuals are from the regional health authorities of Assiniboine (four), Interlake (two) and Winnipeg (one).
Of the eight new cases, two have been identified as West Nile virus neurological syndrome, which includes encephalitis, meningitis or other nervous system disorders. Three of these cases have been identified as West Nile virus fever, which is usually a mild illness. Three cases have yet to be classified.
Six of the 18 Manitoba cases are West Nile virus neurological syndrome, eight are West Nile virus fever. One case, discovered through the testing of donated blood by Canadian Blood Services, has been reported to Health Canada as an asymptomatic case of West Nile virus. Three cases are yet to be classified. In addition, Manitobans continue to be assessed for West Nile virus and many are still undergoing further testing.
These recent WNv cases reflect exposure to mosquitoes in the month of August. Although mosquito counts are generally lower, there are still infected mosquitoes in Southern Manitoba that may be active, particularly in warmer weather.
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.
To date, 216 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, of which 184 are Culex tarsalis. Positive mosquito samples have been identified in Winnipeg, Winkler, Virden, Steinbach, St. Andrews, West St. Paul, Selkirk, Russell, Killarney, Boissevain, Deloraine, Stony Mountain, Brandon, Portage la Prairie and Beausejour.
As of Sept. 10, 125 birds, 37 horses and 20 sentinel chickens have tested positive for West Nile virus.
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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