FRANCAIS

July 29, 2004

The Manitoba government will be issuing a public health order under the Environment Act to begin spraying for adult mosquitoes with malathion in the communities of Deloraine and Killarney because of high numbers of adult Culex tarsalis mosquitoes and evidence of infection with West Nile virus.

Health Minister Dave Chomiak made the request for the health order to Conservation Minister Stan Struthers.

"Taking this step will help reduce the risk of West Nile virus and protect the health of people living in Deloraine and Killarney," said Chomiak. "In addition, area residents are urged to take steps to help protect themselves by using mosquito repellent containing DEET, reducing time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn and wearing long-sleeved clothing and long pants that are light-coloured and loose-fitting, and ensuring that doors and window screens are in good repair so as to reduce access of mosquitoes to indoors."

Chomiak added that intensified larviciding is underway in both Deloraine and Killarney, and the province is continuing its mosquito surveillance efforts throughout Manitoba.

Adult mosquito control is just one of many components of the province’s West Nile virus program. The provincial program oversees several other important components of the program, including mosquito habitat reduction, surveillance, mapping and larviciding.

"The province is working with the municipalities to make sure we act quickly and effectively to deal with the challenges of this emerging disease," said Struthers. "By working together across departments and different levels of government, we’re able to deal with this issue to help Manitobans."

Adult mosquito control occurs in the evening and at night, depending on weather conditions, and will begin within the next two days, weather conditions permitting. Health Canada finds the ultra-low volume application of malathion a safe practice for the control of adult mosquitoes that pose a nuisance or public health hazard. However, general precautions are suggested any time pesticides are used, including:

·         closing all doors and windows;

·         avoiding trucks while spraying is underway;

·         turning off fans and air conditioners or setting then at exhaust;

·         removing clothes and children’s toys from outdoor areas;

·         washing any household items or toys left outside before using them; and

·         ensuring fruits and vegetables are washed.

For more information, visit http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv or call Health Links at 1-888-315-9257 or 788-8200 in Winnipeg.

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