FRANCAIS
October 06, 2003
WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE #17
Five more Manitobans have tested positive for West Nile virus. This brings the total number of West Nile human cases to 132--14 confirmed and 118 probable.
Three of the new cases are individuals living in Winnipeg, while two of the new cases reside outside Winnipeg in southern Manitoba.
Of the 132 cases, 26 reside in Winnipeg and 106 reside outside of Winnipeg. In Manitoba, there are 30 cases of West Nile neurological syndrome, 67 cases of West Nile fever, one asymptomatic blood donor and 34 cases yet to be classified.
In Winnipeg, there are nine cases of West Nile neurological syndrome, seven cases of West Nile fever and 10 cases yet to be classified.
Outside Winnipeg, there are 21 cases of West Nile neurological syndrome, 60 cases of West Nile fever, one asymptomatic blood donor and 24 cases yet to be classified. Two deaths have been attributed to West Nile virus.
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.
To date, 259 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, of which 239 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 Oct. 6, 133 birds, 47 horses and 23 sentinel chickens have tested positive for West Nile virus.
Mosquito and corvid surveillance ended on Sept. 30. Human, horse and sentinel chicken surveillance is continuing.
Although mosquito counts have been low, 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 outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening. Personal protection is advised at any time when mosquito activity is noticed, especially for people over the age of 50, or individuals with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems.
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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