July 08, 2005
A second bird has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in Manitoba. A crow picked up on July 3 in the North Eastman Regional Health Authority has tested positive for West Nile virus. As of July 8, 138 birds have been submitted for testing for West Nile virus in Manitoba.
There have been no human cases of West Nile virus identified in Manitoba in 2005.
As reported yesterday, 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.
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. Testing has demonstrated the presence of WNV in the North Eastman Regional Health Authority; therefore, 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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