FRANCAIS

July 25, 2005

·         To help municipalities communicate spraying times and locations for areas under a ministerial order for adult mosquito control for West Nile virus, Manitoba Health will begin immediately to include this information on its West Nile virus website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.   Health Links-Info Santé will also be able to provide this information to callers.

·         For adult mosquito control in Winnipeg, please review the City of Winnipeg website at http://www.winnipeg.ca/bugline or contact the Bugline at 986-3210.

·         This evening, adult mosquito control is planned for West St. Paul and a three-kilometre treatment area into the R.M.s of East St. Paul, St. Andrews, St. Clements, Rosser and Rockwood.

·         Adult mosquito control occurred last evening in the city of Winkler and part of the
three-kilometre treatment area surrounding the city of Winkler in the R. M. of Stanley.  Completion of the three-kilometre treatment area around Winkler is planned for this evening.

·         Dates for the next round of adult mosquito control in the town of Carman and city of Winkler have not been confirmed but will be updated on the website.

·         Health Canada finds the ultra-low volume application of malathion for the control of adult mosquitoes will not pose a health concern.  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.

·         Manitobans can reduce the number of 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:

-       reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn;

-       wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing; and

-       using appropriate mosquito repellent.

·         Public information about West Nile virus and mosquito control under a health order is available by calling Health Links-Info Santé at 788-8200 in Winnipeg or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.  Information is also available on the Manitoba Health website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.

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