October 11, 2007
West Nile Virus Update #17
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health reports that, 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.
To date in 2007, the total number of Manitobans who have tested positive for West Nile virus is 567 under the following classifications:
· 62 cases of West Nile neurological syndrome;
· 437 cases of non-neurological syndrome; and
· eight cases are asymptomatic or showing no symptoms.
The rest of the positive test results remain under investigation. as it becomes available.
This will be the last weekly West Nile virus (WNV) update for 2007. Additional information on human cases will be posted on the WNV website at 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 2008.
More information is available on the website or by calling Health Links-Info Santé at 1-888-315-9257 or 788-8200 in Winnipeg.
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