September 14, 2006

Mosquito surveillance in southern Manitoba indicates the activity of Culex tarsalis, the main mosquito species that carries West Nile virus in Manitoba, is very low in all regional health authority areas.

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:

• reducing the amount of time spent outdoors when mosquitoes are active;

• using appropriate mosquito repellent.

• wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing; and

• checking that door and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes.

Between Sept. 7 and 13, seven additional human cases of West Nile virus were identified in Manitoba. This brings the total number of Manitobans who have tested positive for West Nile virus this year to 47.

Of the 47 Manitobans who have tested positive this year, 13 have been classified as cases of West Nile neurological syndrome, 14 have been classified as cases of West Nile non-neurological syndrome and one has been classified as asymptomatic or showing no symptoms. The rest are currently under investigation to determine if they meet the criteria for cases of West Nile virus.

Additional information on these cases, including age, gender, regional health authority of residence and likeliest area of exposure, will be provided on the website when it becomes available at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.

Mosquito surveillance in some communities will continue as weather permits.

For more information, visit the website or call Health Links–Info Santé at 1‑888‑315‑9257 or 788-8200 in Winnipeg.

- 30 -