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August 27, 2008 WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE #13The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health advises that two additional human cases of West Nile virus from the 2008 season have been identified in Manitoba.
To date, a total of six positive test results for West Nile virus have been reported in Manitoba from the 2008 season including one positive test result identified in a non-Manitoba resident.
One positive test result was identified through Canadian Blood Services routine screening and five positive test results were identified through clinical testing at Cadham Provincial Laboratory.
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 www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
Culex tarsalis mosquito samples infected with West Nile virus have been identified from the communities of Brandon, Deloraine and Virden. The samples were collected during the week of Aug. 17. Infected mosquitoes were previously identified in the communities of Beausejour, Boissevain, Carberry, East St. Paul, Killarney, Selkirk, Sioux Valley, Stonewall and Winnipeg.
Preliminary results of mosquito testing from this week indicate the average numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes found in surveillance traps have decreased in most southern Manitoban communities. The highest overall numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes continue to be found in the Assiniboine health region.
The risk of exposure to West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes in southern Manitoba continues at this time. However, as the weather gets cooler, this risk will begin to decline. As daytime and evening temperatures become cooler, Culex tarsalis mosquitoes may become more active during the day and early evening, with reduced activity overnight during cool temperatures.
No orders for adult mosquito control have been issued in 2008.
Manitobans are encouraged to 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;
· wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing; and
· maintaining door and window screens so they fit tightly and are free of holes.
Manitobans can reduce mosquitoes around their home by reducing standing water. To prevent the development of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, homeowners should:
· clean eavestroughs and regularly empty bird baths and other items that might collect water,
· ensure rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening or are tightly sealed around the downspout,
· clear yards of old tires or other items that collect water, and
· improve landscaping to prevent standing water around the home.
Weekly average trap counts of Culex tarsalis by regional health authority are available on the province’s West Nile virus website at www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
Information on the risk of West Nile virus will continue to be provided to the public throughout the summer. Manitobans can also check the West Nile virus website regularly for up-to-date data and information.
For more information about West Nile virus, contact Health Links–Info Santé at 788-8200 or 1‑888‑315-9257 (toll-free) or visit the Manitoba Health website at www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
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