September 22, 2005
Mosquito surveillance in southern Manitoba indicates the activity of Culex tarsalis, the main mosquito species that carries West Nile virus in Manitoba, is low in all regional health authorities.
Routine trapping for adult mosquitoes ended the week of Sept. 4 to 10 in most communities. As weather conditions are favourable, monitoring of adult mosquitoes continues in some communities in southern Manitoba.
While the risk of exposure to infected mosquitoes is low, personal protective precautions should be considered during warmer weather when mosquitoes are active.
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 when mosquitoes are active;
wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing; and
using appropriate mosquito repellent.
Since last week’s update, two 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 51.
Following investigations by public health officials, 41 human cases have been classified at this time.
Ten cases are classified as probable cases of West Nile neurological syndrome.
Twenty-eight cases are classified as probable cases of West Nile non-neurological syndrome.
Three cases identified by Canadian Blood Services are confirmed as asymptomatic cases of West Nile virus.
The remaining 10 cases are currently under investigation to determine their status.
One human death related to West Nile virus infection in Manitoba this year was reported on Aug. 31. The role West Nile virus played in this death is still under investigation.
The 41 classified cases reside within the boundaries of seven regional health authorities in southern Manitoba:
Winnipeg Regional Health Authority – 13;
Assiniboine Regional Health Authority – 11;
Central Regional Health Authority – nine;
South Eastman Regional Health Authority – three;
Interlake Regional Health Authority – two;
Brandon Regional Health Authority – two; 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, 2,018 people have been tested for WNV in Manitoba.
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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