June 15, 2006
Low numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes were identified in southern Manitoba for the week of June 4.
Preliminary adult mosquito trap information from the week of June 11 also indicates the presence of low numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes in southern Manitoba.
Earlier this week, Cadham Provincial Laboratory identified the first Culex tarsalis mosquito sample infected with West Nile virus (WNV) in Manitoba in 2006. A sample collected from the city of Steinbach in the South Eastman Regional Health Authority during the week of June 4 indicated a small number of infected Culex tarsalis mosquitoes. Adult mosquito control has not been recommended at this time.
Culex tarsalis larvae are being found in southern Manitoba. Manitoba Health has advised municipalities participating in the provincial cost-shared larviciding program to begin larviciding for Culex tarsalis.
Weekly average trap counts of Culex tarsalis by regional health authority are available on the province’s West Nile virus website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv
At this time, the risk of becoming ill from West Nile virus is very low.
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.
To date, no human cases of WNV have been identified in Manitoba in 2006.
Manitobans can reduce the number of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes around their home by reducing standing water. 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;
making sure yards are clear of old tires or other debris that collect water; and
making sure doors and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes.
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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