News Releases

The 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 four positive test results of West Nile virus have been reported in Manitoba from the 2008 season.  One test result was identified through Canadian Blood Services routine screening and three 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 http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.

 

Culex tarsalis mosquito samples infected with West Nile virus have been identified from the communities of Beausejour, Carberry and East St. Paul for the first time this season in addition to another infected sample identified from Brandon.  The samples were collected during the week of Aug. 10.   Infected mosquitoes were previously identified in the communities of Boissevain, Deloraine, Killarney, Selkirk, Sioux Valley, Stonewall, Virden and Winnipeg.

 

While the average number of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes found in surveillance traps has increased in most southern Manitoban communities, the average number of these mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus has decreased for most regions.  The average number of infected mosquitoes remains lower than average for all regions for this time of year.

 

The highest numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes overall were found in the Assiniboine health region.

 

With continued warm weather, it is anticipated that more infected mosquitoes may be identified in additional communities this season with an ongoing risk of exposure to West Nile virus.  In previous years, the peak risk period for human exposure to West Nile virus has been the last two weeks of July and the first three weeks of August.

 

No orders for adult mosquito control have been issued.

 

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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