Manitoba public health officials are encouraging Manitobans to take advantage of spring and summer by enjoying outdoor activities, increasing physical activity and eating healthy.
However, spring and summer outdoor activities can increase the risk of exposure to some infectious diseases such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, E. coli infections, rabies, hantavirus and blastomycosis. Manitobans are also reminded to properly prepare for the heat and exposure to the sun’s rays.
Manitobans can take precautions to reduce these risks by:
• preparing for West Nile virus season by reducing standing water around their homes;
• taking precautions to avoid contact with blacklegged (deer) ticks to reduce their risk of Lyme disease;
• taking proper food-handling precautions and test wells regularly to reduce food- and water-borne infections;
• vaccinating pets and avoid handling wildlife to reduce the risk of rabies;
• avoiding exposure to mouse droppings to reduce the risk of hantavirus infections;
• being aware of the risk for exposure to blastomycosis from fungal spores found in soil in the risk areas;
• wearing a broad-brimmed hat and appropriate clothing to protect from the sun, along with sunscreen, especially between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• recognizing situations where heat-related illnesses may occur and taking steps to protect yourself and others.
More information about these health issues is available in the attached fact sheets and online at www.manitoba.ca.
