September 01, 2005
Since yesterday’s bulletin, three more Manitobans have tested positive for West Nile virus. This brings the total number of Manitobans who have tested positive for West Nile virus this year to 33.
Following investigations by public health officials, 26 cases have been classified at this time:
Nine have been classified as probable cases of West Nile neurological syndrome. Seven of these individuals were admitted to hospital. Two individuals remain in hospital.
Fourteen have been classified as probable cases of West Nile non-neurological syndrome. These individuals did not require hospitalization.
Three have been confirmed as asymptomatic cases of West Nile virus. These cases were identified by Canadian Blood Services. The individuals did not show symptoms.
The remaining seven cases are currently under investigation to determine their status. The first human death in a patient with West Nile virus infection in Manitoba this year was reported yesterday. The role West Nile virus played in this death is still under investigation.
The 26 classified cases reside within the boundaries of seven regional health authorities in southern Manitoba:
Winnipeg Regional Health Authority – nine;
Central Regional Health Authority – six;
Assiniboine Regional Health Authority – five;
Interlake Regional Health Authority – two;
South Eastman Regional Health Authority – two;
Brandon Regional Health Authority – one; and
North Eastman Regional Health Authority – one.
Further information on human cases will be posted on the website when it becomes available. So far this year, 1,542 people have been tested for WNV in Manitoba.
Most of these human cases reflect exposures to West Nile virus infected mosquitoes during July and the first half of August.
During the week of Aug. 21 to 27, average Culex tarsalis trap counts decreased significantly in all regional health authorities.
Three positive Culex tarsalis mosquito samples were identified during the week of Aug. 21 to 27 in three communities in the Brandon and Assiniboine regional health authorities.
At this time, the risk of exposure to infected mosquitoes is decreasing. However, there are still infected mosquitoes in southern Manitoba. During early September, the importance of taking personal protective precautions against mosquitoes continues. As daytime and evening temperatures become cooler, Culex tarsalis mosquitoes may become more active during the day as well as between dusk and dawn.
Manitobans can reduce the risk of mosquito bites by:
checking that door and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes;
reducing the amount of time spent outdoors whenever mosquitoes are active;
wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing; and
using appropriate mosquito repellent.
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. Information is also available on the Manitoba Health website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
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