FRANCAIS
September 19, 2003
WEST NILE VIRUS BULLETIN #12
Twenty-six more Manitobans have tested positive for West Nile virus. This brings the total number of West Nile human cases to 71-- two confirmed and 69 probable.
Of these 26 additional cases, three reside in Winnipeg and 23 reside in rural southern Manitoba.
Of the 71 cases, 13 reside in Winnipeg and 58 reside in rural southern Manitoba. In Winnipeg, there are four cases of West Nile fever, three of West Nile neurological syndrome and six cases have yet to be classified. In rural Manitoba, there are 24 cases of West Nile fever, seven of West Nile neurological syndrome, one asymptomatic blood donor and 26 cases have yet to be classified.
More information on Manitoba cases of West Nile virus is available on the Manitoba Health West Nile virus Web site at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv/stats.html.
Effective immediately, new human cases will be announced on Mondays and Thursdays if new information is available.
Although mosquito counts are generally lower, there are still infected mosquitoes in southern Manitoba that may be active, particularly in warmer weather. At this time of year, mosquitoes are more active in the late afternoon and early evening.
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 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, 240 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, of which 210 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. 17, 127 birds, 41 horses and 22 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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