West Nile update

posted by Kate Jackman-Atkinson

The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health reports that preliminary analysis of adult mosquito traps for the week of July 20 indicates a slight increase in the numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes in most communities in southern Manitoba. However, the numbers are still low in most communities.

No infected mosquitoes have been found.

It is possible that infected Culex tarsalis mosquitoes may be present in southern Manitoba, and mosquito surveillance is continuing. However, the risk at this time is lower than it has been in previous years during mid-summer, which has represented the peak risk period for human exposure to West Nile virus (WNV). With the anticipated warm weather, the risk of WNV exposure may rise in the coming week.

To date, no human cases of West Nile virus have been identified in Manitoba in the 2008 season.