May 01, 2006
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health is announcing the West Nile virus program for 2006.
The West Nile virus dead corvid (crow family) pickup program will not be in effect in 2006. Dead corvids are no longer needed as an early indicator of West Nile virus in Manitoba or to determine geographic distribution. Larval and mosquito sampling and testing in addition to other factors (temperature, etc.) will be used to guide the assessment of risk of West Nile virus exposure.
Information on how to safely dispose of a dead bird is available by contacting Health Links–Info Santé at 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 or by visiting the website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv/disposing.pdf.
Surveillance in 2006 will again include mapping of potential larval habitats, which is scheduled to start in mid-May. Sampling for Culex tarsalis larvae and adult mosquito surveillance is scheduled to begin in early June. Human and horse surveillance for West Nile virus continues.
As in previous years, a 75 per cent provincial - 25 per cent municipal cost-shared funding program for mosquito control is in place.
The risk of West Nile virus varies from year to year based on a number of factors including temperature and precipitation. Updated information on the risk of West Nile virus will be provided to the public throughout the summer.
At this time of year, the risk of being bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus is considered extremely low. Depending on weather conditions, Culex tarsalis (the primary mosquito responsible for transmitting West Nile virus to humans) does not usually begin to appear until mid- to late-June. The greatest risk of exposure to West Nile virus in Manitoba in July, August and early September.
Manitobans are advised to prepare for mosquito season by reducing standing water around their homes. This includes: - regularly cleaning and emptying eavestroughs, bird baths and other items that might collect water;
- ensuring rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening or are tightly sealed around the downspout; and
- making sure yards are clear of old tires or other debris that collect water.
In 2005, there were 58 human cases of West Nile virus identified in Manitoba: 10 cases of West Nile virus neurological syndrome and 45 cases of West Nile virus non-neurologic syndrome. Three cases were asymptomatic. There was one death associated with West Nile virus infection.
West Nile virus pamphlets will be available in the next few weeks at local public health offices. West Nile virus updates will be issued weekly and bulletins will be issued as necessary. Manitobans are encouraged to check the West Nile virus website regularly for up-to-date information.
For more information about West Nile virus, contact Health Links–Info Santé at 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 or visit the Manitoba Health website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
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