FRANCAIS
November 13, 2003
WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE #23
This is the last regular West Nile virus (WNv) update to be released in 2003 and provides the most current summary of the WNv statistics for this year. Any future results will be posted on the Manitoba Health website at: http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
In the past week, no Manitobans have tested positive for West Nile virus. The total number of reported human West Nile virus cases in Manitoba is 141--35 confirmed and 106 probable.
In 2003, West Nile virus was determined to be a contributing factor in two deaths in Manitoba.
Of the 141 cases reported in Manitoba in 2003, 38 cases were identified as West Nile neurological syndrome, 100 cases were identified as West Nile fever, one case was an asymptomatic blood donor and two cases are yet to be classified.
The total number of mosquito samples or pools that tested positive for the West Nile virus in 2003 was 290.
As of Oct. 31, 134 birds, 47 horses and 24 sentinel chickens were found with West Nile virus. Two alpacas, two stones sheep and one musk ox had also tested positive for the virus.
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health would like to acknowledge the participation of Manitobans in the bird surveillance program and the efforts of Manitobans who contributed to source water reduction on their property and practised personal protection.
Also important to the program's performance was the work of partners including the University of Winnipeg, the University of Manitoba, Red River College, the City of Winnipeg and other communities and municipalities across the province, the regional health authorities, Misericordia Health Links, Canadian Blood Services, Health Canada, Manitoba Conservation, Manitoba Intergovernmental Affairs, and Manitoba Agriculture and Food.
Information about next year's West Nile virus program will be available by the spring of 2004.
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