Province to spray for mosquitoes due to high risk of West Nile virus

Parts of Winnipeg and several rural communities will be sprayed for mosquitoes after the heat wave across southern Manitoba has created a higher risk of exposure to West Nile virus.

Data from last week showed a high number of adult mosquitoes in the province and evidence of the West Nile virus. High heat shortens the time needed for the virus to develop in mosquitoes and become transmittable to humans.

Typically, the highest-risk period for human exposure in Manitoba is between July 15 and Aug. 15.

Spraying is set to begin Friday, weather permitting. DeltaGard 20EW will be sprayed within a three-kilometre radius of the following areas in Winnipeg:

• The intersection of Kenaston Boulevard and North Town Road.
• The intersection of King Edward Street and Old Commonwealth Path.
• The intersection of the north Perimeter Highway and Provincial Trunk Highway 8.

And the following rural areas:

• Carman, along with an approximate three-kilometre radius into the Rural Municipality of Dufferin.
• Stonewall, along with an approximate three-kilometre radius extension into the Rural Municipality of Rockwood.
• The Rural Municipality of West St. Paul.
• Winkler, along with an approximate three-kilometre-radius extension into the Rural Municipality of Stanley, including Reinfeld, Chortitz and Schanzenfeld.