July 21, 2005
A public health order under Manitoba’s
Environment Act has been issued to spray for adult mosquitoes with malathion in
the town of Carman and the city of Winkler because of high numbers of adult
Culex tarsalis mosquitoes and evidence of infection with West Nile virus.
Intensified larviciding is underway across
Manitoba and the province is continuing its mosquito surveillance efforts
throughout southern 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 surveillance, mapping and
larviciding.
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 them
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-Info Santé at 1‑888-315-9257 or 788-8200 in Winnipeg.
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