Summer’s first mosquitos with West Nile virus found in province

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/07/2017 (3099 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living’s mosquito surveillance program has identified the summer’s first Culex tarsalis samples infected with West Nile virus.

At this time, no human cases of West Nile have been identified in the province, according to a release Friday.

The infected mosquitos were collected during the week of July 1 from mosquito traps in Altona and Winnipeg. There are currently no orders for adult mosquito control in Manitoba.

According to the release, the potential for human exposure to infected C. tarsalis is present throughout southern Manitoba, and the risk of exposure to the virus is expected to continue in the coming weeks, particularly if conditions are warm and dry.

Manitobans can reduce the risk of bites and exposure to the virus by reducing time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn, using appropriate mosquito repellent, and maintaining door and window screens, ensuring they fit tightly and are free of holes.

Mosquito development can also be hindered if homeowners clean eavestroughs, empty birdbaths, barrels and other water-collecting items, and prevent any standing water around their residences.

More information about West Nile virus, including average trap counts of Culex tarsalis mosquitos, fact sheets, posters and information for municipalities and health care providers is available at www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv. Manitobans can also contact Health-Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or at 1-888-315-9257 for additional information.

ben.waldman@freepress.mb.ca