With the warm weather, the numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are beginning to increase. Manitoba Health and Healthy Living reports that preliminary analysis of the adult mosquitoes trapped for the week of June 21 showed Culex tarsalis mosquitoes in many communities in southern Manitoba but the numbers are still low.
Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are the mosquitoes most likely to carry West Nile virus. The risk of being bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus is will increase with the warm weather. It is possible that there are some infected Culex tarsalis mosquitoes present at this time. The risk of exposure to West Nile virus at this time is relatively low.
Most of the mosquitoes collected have been nuisance mosquitoes, which do not carry West Nile virus.
Manitobans can reduce the risk of mosquito bites by:
• reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn;
• 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.
Manitobans can reduce mosquitoes around their home by reducing standing water. To prevent the development of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, homeowners can:
• clean eavestroughs and regularly empty bird baths and other items that might collect water,
• ensure rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening or are tightly sealed around the downspout,
• clear yards of old tires or other items that collect water, and
• improve landscaping to prevent standing water around the home.
Weekly average trap counts of Culex tarsalis by regional health authority are available on the province’s West Nile virus website at www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv.
