FRANCAIS
October 09, 2003
WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE #18
No additional Manitobans have tested positive for West Nile virus. Seven cases previously classified as probable have now been confirmed. The total number of West Nile human cases is 132--21 confirmed and 111 probable.
Of the 132 cases, 26 reside in Winnipeg and 106 reside outside of Winnipeg. In Manitoba, there are 34 cases of West Nile neurological syndrome, 79 cases of West Nile fever, one asymptomatic blood donor and 18 cases yet to be classified.
In Winnipeg, there are ten cases of West Nile neurological syndrome, nine cases of West Nile fever and seven cases yet to be classified.
Outside Winnipeg, there are 24 cases of West Nile neurological syndrome, 70 cases of West Nile fever, one asymptomatic blood donor and 11 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.
Thirty-one additional positive mosquito samples have been identified in stored samples from communities previously identified. In total, 290 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, of which 265 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. Mosquito testing is now complete.
As of Oct. 9, 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.
West Nile virus updates will now be issued weekly on Thursdays beginning Oct. 16.
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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