September 21, 2006
Based on recent mosquito surveillance, the time of year and the life cycle of the Culex tarsalis mosquito, the current risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus in Manitoba is considered very low. Nuisance mosquitoes and a few Culex tarsalis mosquitoes may be active if the weather is warm.
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.
Due to the cooler weather, mosquito surveillance in all trapped communities will end this week. The ministerial order for adult mosquito control has been discontinued in the R.M. of West St. Paul. Adult mosquito control under the order has not taken place since Aug. 1.
Between Sept. 14 and 20, two 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 49.
Of the 49 Manitobans who have tested positive this year, 14 have been classified as cases of West Nile neurological syndrome, 18 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 will be provided on the website when it becomes available at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
For more information, visit the website or call Health Links–Info Santé at 1‑888‑315‑9257 or 788-8200 in Winnipeg.
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