July 26, 2005
In previous years, the last week of July and the first few weeks of August have been the peak period for the risk of human exposure to West Nile virus in Manitoba. Surveillance data indicate the virus is present throughout southern Manitoba at this time.
The importance of taking personal protective precautions against mosquitoes and reducing standing water around homes continues to increase in both urban and rural areas. Manitobans can reduce the risk of mosquito bites by:
· reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn,
· using appropriate mosquito repellent, and
· wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
Five more birds have
tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in Manitoba, one from the Brandon
Regional Health Authority, two from the Central Regional Health Authority, one
from the Parkland Regional Health Authority and one from South Eastman Regional
Health Authority. This brings the total
number of birds testing positive for WNV to ten. As of July 26, 179 birds have been submitted
for testing for West Nile virus.
At this time, the following communities have had West Nile virus positive mosquito samples identified during the week of July 17 to July 23:
· Boissevain,
· Brandon,
· Deloraine,
· East St. Paul,
· Morden,
· Ste. Anne,
· Selkirk,
· Steinbach,
· Virden, and
· Winnipeg – Fort Garry.
The average number of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes in these communities ranged from 250 to 1,700. Analysis of the data from the above communities will occur over the next few days to determine the estimated level of risk of human exposure to West Nile virus.
It is anticipated WNV will be detected in mosquito samples in additional communities over the next few weeks. Testing of mosquitoes for West Nile virus is ongoing at Cadham Provincial Laboratory.
Public information about West Nile virus and mosquito control in areas 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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