FRANCAIS
October 30, 2003
WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE #21
A case of West Nile virus has been reported in an individual residing outside Winnipeg. It is likely this person became infected in August. This brings the total number of reported human West Nile virus cases in Manitoba to 139--35 confirmed and 104 probable.
Of the 139 cases, 27 reside in Winnipeg and 112 reside outside of Winnipeg. In Manitoba, there are 37 cases of West Nile neurological syndrome, 97 cases of West Nile fever, one asymptomatic blood donor and four cases 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.
As of Oct. 30, 47 horses and 24 sentinel chickens have tested positive for West Nile virus.
Mosquito and corvid surveillance ended on Sept. 30. Sentinel chicken surveillance ended on Oct. 24. Human and horse surveillance is continuing.
The risk of being bitten by a mosquito in an outdoor environment is essentially over for this year. However, there is a low risk that some infected mosquitoes could still be active, primarily in barns or sheds. Therefore, personal protection should be considered only if mosquito activity is observed.
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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