FRANCAIS

September 16, 2004

·         Mosquito surveillance in southern Manitoba during the week ending Sept. 10 indicates that the activity of Culex tarsalis, the main mosquito species that carries West Nile virus in Manitoba, remains very low.  An increased number of nuisance mosquitoes have been observed in traps in southern Manitoba.  

·         No additional human cases of West Nile virus have been identified since the last case was announced Sept. 3.  A total of three human cases of West Nile virus infection have been identified so far this year in Manitoba.  One individual has been reported as a probable case of West Nile neurological syndrome while two individuals have been reported as probable cases of West Nile fever.

·         Based on recent mosquito surveillance, the time of year and the life cycle of the Culex tarsalis mosquito, the current risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus in Manitoba is still considered very low.

·         Routine trapping for adult mosquitoes ended the week of Sept. 10 in most communities.  If weather conditions are favourable, monitoring of adult mosquitoes will occur in some communities in southern Manitoba.

·         Bird surveillance in northern Manitoba continues.

·         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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