|
September 10, 2008 WEST NILE VIRUS UPDATE #15The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health advises that two additional human cases have tested positive for West Nile virus during the 2008 season in Manitoba.
To date, a total of 11 positive test results for West Nile virus have been reported in Manitoba in 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 10 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, is provided on the website at www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
A Culex tarsalis mosquito sample testing positive for West Nile virus was identified from the municipality of West St. Paul during the week of Aug. 31. Infected mosquitoes were previously identified in the communities of Beausejour, Boissevain, Brandon, Carberry, Deloraine, East St. Paul, Killarney, Selkirk, Sioux Valley, Stonewall, Virden and Winnipeg.
Preliminary results of mosquito testing from this week indicate the average numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes found in surveillance traps are very low in southern Manitoban communities.
Based on the most recent mosquito surveillance, the time of year and the life cycle of the Culex tarsalis mosquito, the risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus in Manitoba has decreased and will continue to decline as the weather gets cooler. At this time of year, Culex tarsalis mosquitoes may be active during the day and early evening if the temperatures are warm, with almost no activity overnight during times of cool temperatures.
At this time of year, Manitobans can reduce the risk of mosquito bites by:
· using appropriate mosquito repellent and wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing when mosquitoes are active; and
· maintaining door and window screens so they fit tightly and are free of holes.
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 season. 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.
- 30 -
|
