July 25, 2002
West Nile Virus Bulletin #8
West Nile Virus Bulletin #8- On , three birds in Winnipeg were confirmed positive for West Nile virus. These birds include a crow found in central Winnipeg on July 18, a blue jay found in south Winnipeg on July 18 and a raven found in north Winnipeg on July 20.
- Since several other birds have been found in Winnipeg, additional testing is not required to confirm the tests.
- With six birds testing positive in Winnipeg, it is clear that the West Nile virus is present in the city.
- Public reporting of dead bird sightings from the crow family (crows, ravens, magpies, blue jays and gray jays) in Winnipeg is still important. However, to track the virus, a greater emphasis will be placed on testing birds in areas where there have not been positive results. For this reason, birds from areas already testing positive for West Nile virus will receive a lower priority for pick-up.
- Testing of mosquitoes and other responses will continue in areas that have tested positive for West Nile virus.
- Eight birds in Manitoba have now been confirmed positive for West Nile virus:
| Type of Bird | Location | Date Confirmed |
| Crow | Winnipeg | July 15, 2002 |
| Crow | R.M. of St. Andrews | July 19, 2002 |
| Crow | Winnipeg | July 19, 2002 |
| Magpie | R.M. of Tache | July 23, 2002 |
| Crow | Winnipeg | July 24, 2002 |
| Crow | Winnipeg | |
| Blue Jay | Winnipeg | |
| Raven | Winnipeg |
- Public information is available by calling Health Links at 788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 or checking the Manitoba Health Web site at https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
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