FRANCAIS

July 22, 2004

·         Manitoba’s mosquito surveillance program has identified the first Culex tarsalis WNV positive mosquito collection in Manitoba in 2004.

·         A sample collected from the Town of Killarney indicates a small proportion of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are infected at this time. During the week of July 11, the average weekly Culex tarsalis count in Killarney was 60.

·         It is anticipated that WNV will be detected in mosquito samples in additional communities in the coming weeks. Testing of mosquitoes for West Nile virus is ongoing.

·         At this time, it is important to take personal protective precautions against mosquitoes and reduce standing water around your home.

·         Mosquito larviciding will help reduce the number of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes. Killarney is one of a number of communities that has begun larviciding through the cost-sharing program with the province’s West Nile virus program.

·         Culex tarsalis counts and infection rates are being monitored. At this time, there are no recommendations for adult mosquito control for West Nile virus. The public will be notified if adult mosquito control activities are planned.

·         As we enter the later part of July, and with the identification of increasing numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes and infected mosquito samples, the risk of exposure to WNV in Manitoba is increasing. In 2003, the majority of the human cases were exposed in the first two weeks of August.

·         To reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection, Manitobans can protect themselves against mosquito bites. This includes: 

-  wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and long pants;

-  using mosquito repellent containing DEET;

-  reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours between dusk and  dawn; and

-  keeping mosquitoes out of indoor spaces by checking door and window screens to make sure they fit tightly and are free of holes.

·         Manitobans can reduce the number of 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 flowerpots, etc.

·         Manitobans can continue to help detect the arrival of West Nile virus by reporting dead crows, blue jays, magpies or ravens to Health Links-Info Santé at 788-8200 in Winnipeg (outside Winnipeg toll-free at 1-888-315-9257) from the following areas: South Winnipeg, Brandon RHA, Burntwood RHA, Churchill RHA, RHA Central, Interlake RHA, North Eastman RHA, NOR-Man RHA and South Eastman RHA.

·         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.

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