June 15, 2005
A crow found in the R.M. of East St. Paul on June 10 has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). As of June 14, 60 birds have been submitted for testing for West Nile virus in Manitoba. The 2005 bird surveillance program began May 16.
The first positive bird identified in 2004 was found on June 18 in the Assiniboine Regional Health Authority.
There have been no human cases of West Nile virus identified in Manitoba in 2005.
Manitobans can help detect the arrival of WNV in their area by reporting dead crows, blue jays, magpies or ravens to Health Links-Info Santé at 788-8200 in Winnipeg or outside of Winnipeg at 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.
Testing birds from the crow family provides an early indication of West Nile virus in an area. Once testing has demonstrated the presence of WNV in a regional health authority, no further birds from that area will be required for testing. Although the R.M. of East St. Paul is in the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, the City of Winnipeg will continue to pick up birds for a research project. Residents of Winnipeg can continue to contact Health Links-Info Santé at 788-8200 to report dead birds from the crow family.
Most nuisance species of mosquitoes depend on wet conditions associated with frequent rainfall. Current mosquito surveillance shows that nearly all of the mosquitoes in the traps are nuisance mosquitoes.
The mosquito species of primary interest for human risk for WNV, Culex tarsalis, requires hot weather to build up to high numbers.
While the risk of West Nile virus is expected to increase over the summer, at this time, the risk of human infection with WNV in Manitoba is considered very low.
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, or under flower pots.
Manitobans can reduce the risk of mosquito bites by:
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wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing;-
using appropriate mosquito repellent; and-
reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn.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 will be updated with surveillance data weekly. Weekly updates will be distributed to media and the public providing current WNV information.
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