September 28, 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.

The total number of Manitobans who have tested positive for West Nile virus to date in 2006 is 50 under the following classifications:

• 14 cases are West Nile neurological syndrome,

• 20 cases are non-neurological syndrome,

• one case is asymptomatic or showing no symptoms, and

• the rest are currently under investigation to determine if they meet the criteria for cases of West Nile virus.

In 2005, there were 58 people who tested positive for West Nile virus.

This will be the last West Nile virus update for 2006. Any additional information on human cases will be posted on the WNV website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv as it becomes available.

Analysis of information from this year’s program continues. Information regarding specific plans for next year’s West Nile virus program will be available in spring 2007.

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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