July 07, 2005
As of today, one bird has tested positive and 124 birds have been submitted for testing for West Nile virus in Manitoba this year.
There have been no human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) identified in Manitoba in 2005.
Most nuisance species of mosquitoes depend on wet conditions associated with frequent rainfall or flooding. The mosquito species of primary interest for human risk for WNV, Culex tarsalis, requires hot weather to build up to high numbers.
Current mosquito surveillance shows that while most of the mosquitoes in provincial traps are nuisance mosquitoes, the numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are rising in some communities. It is anticipated the numbers will continue to increase in the coming weeks.
Preliminary information from traps this week indicates counts are slightly lower in many areas, likely due to cool, windy conditions. Culex tarsalis counts in the southern part of the Red River Valley continue to increase. Culex tarsalis larviciding is taking place in participating municipalities in southern Manitoba.
At this time, no mosquito pools have tested positive for WNV, but positive test results are expected soon based on results from previous years. The risk of human infection with WNV in Manitoba is beginning to rise and will continue to increase over the summer.
Manitobans can reduce the risk of mosquito bites by:
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.
Manitobans can reduce the number of Culex mosquitoes around their home by emptying standing water that may collect in backyards, old tires, children's toys, pet bowls, wading pools, stagnant ponds or under flower pots.
Weekly average trap counts of Culex tarsalis by regional health authority are available on the province’s West Nile virus website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
Manitobans can help detect 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 toll-free at 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.
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 weekly with surveillance data.
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