June 29, 2006
Adult mosquito trap information from the week of June 18 indicates the presence of low numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes in southern Manitoba.
Preliminary trap information from the week of June 25 indicates the Culex tarsalis numbers in southern Manitoba remain low.
Adult mosquito samples collected during the week of June 18 from the town of Carman in the Regional Health Authority – Central Manitoba indicate a small number of infected Culex tarsalis mosquitoes. Adult mosquito control has not been recommended at this time.
This year, positive mosquito samples have been found in two Manitoba communities: Carman and Steinbach. The province continues to monitor adult Culex tarsalis mosquito numbers in these communities and across southern Manitoba.
Testing for West Nile virus is ongoing at Cadham Provincial Laboratory. 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.
As July approaches, the risk of becoming ill from West Nile virus is expected to increase. In previous years, human cases have been exposed in early July. To date, no human cases of WNV have been identified in Manitoba in 2006.
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.
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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