FRANCAIS

July 15, 2004

·         As of today, seven crows have tested positive for West Nile virus in Manitoba this year: five in Winnipeg, one in Parkland Regional Health Authority, one in Assiniboine Regional Health Authority. As of today, 263 birds have been submitted for testing for West Nile virus (WNV) in Manitoba. The bird surveillance program began May 5.

·         There have been no human cases of West Nile virus diagnosed in Manitoba in 2004.

·         While current surveillance continues to show large numbers of nuisance mosquitoes in Manitoba, rising numbers of Culex tarsalis are being detected in southern Manitoba.

·         With the identification of increasing numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the risk of exposure to WNV in Manitoba is increasing.

·         Manitoba Health is continuing to gather information on the numbers of Culex tarsalis around the province. Testing of these mosquito samples for WNV is underway.

·         Manitobans can reduce their risk of West Nile virus as a result of mosquito bites by:  wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, long-sleeved tops and long pants; using mosquito repellent containing DEET; and reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn.

·         Manitobans can reduce mosquitoes by emptying standing water that may collect in backyards, old tires, children's toys, pet bowls, wading pools or stagnant ponds, eaves troughs, under flower pots, etc.

·         Few species of mosquitoes were found infected with West Nile virus in Manitoba in 2003. The species of primary interest for human risk, Culex tarsalis, depends on hot weather to build up to high numbers. This and related species are most often found in standing water that may be polluted with organic material.

·         Manitobans can continue to help detect the arrival of West Nile virus in their area by reporting dead crows, blue jays, magpies or ravens to Health Links-Info Santé at 788-8200 in Winnipeg (outside of Winnipeg toll-free 1-888-315-9257). Links to pictures of these birds can be viewed under bird surveillance at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.

·         West Nile virus identified in birds from the crow family provides an early indication of West Nile virus in an area. It is likely that birds will be identified soon in other regional health authorities in southern Manitoba. Once testing has demonstrated the presence of WNV in a specific area, no further birds from that area are required for testing.

·         Public information about West Nile virus is available by calling Health Links-Info Santé at 788-8200 in Winnipeg or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257. Additional information is available on the Manitoba Health website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv, which is updated with surveillance data weekly.