July 28, 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.
The provincial WNV bird
surveillance program has established the presence of West Nile virus throughout
southern Manitoba. Therefore, no further
birds will be picked up in southern Manitoba. Birds from the NOR-MAN Regional Health
Authority, the Burntwood Regional Health Authority and the Churchill Regional Health
Authority will continue to tested for WNV to establish the presence of WNV in
those areas.
Last week, Culex tarsalis counts rose in most areas
in southern Manitoba with very high numbers identified in the Winnipeg,
Central, and South Eastman regional health authorities. Preliminary information from traps this week
indicates that the numbers of Culex
tarsalis mosquitoes in most areas of province continue to increase, particularly
this week in southwestern Manitoba.
At this time, 14 communities have had West Nile virus positive mosquito samples. 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.
At this time, there have
been no human cases of West Nile virus identified in Manitoba in 2005. As of July 27, 477 people have been tested.
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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