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The chief medical officer of health advises that, as of the end of the day yesterday, 59 additional positive human test results for West Nile virus had been reported in Manitoba since last week.  These new results mostly reflect exposures to infected mosquitoes in August.

 

To date, a total of 504 individuals have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) this year in Manitoba.  Of these, 21 test results were identified by Canadian Blood Services routine screening. The donated blood units were discarded as planned.  In 2007, there have been three human deaths related to a West Nile virus infection in Manitoba.

 

Mosquito surveillance in southern Manitoba indicates the activity of Culex tarsalis, the main mosquito species that carries West Nile virus in Manitoba, is very low in all health regions.

 

While the risk of exposure to infected mosquitoes is low, personal protective precautions should be considered during warmer weather when mosquitoes are active.

 

Whenever mosquito activity is observed, Manitobans are encouraged to reduce the risk of mosquito bites by:

·         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.

                                                                                    

The number of cases of the more severe type of West Nile virus (WNV neurological syndrome) in previous years has ranged from one to 35 cases per summer.  The total number of cases of all types of West Nile virus in previous years has ranged from three to 143.  To date in 2007, 229 West Nile virus human cases have been classified of which 36 are West Nile virus neurological syndrome.

 

As it becomes available, additional information on human cases including age, gender, regional health authority of residence and likeliest area of exposure will be provided on the province’s West Nile virus website at https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.