Estimated risk to Manitobans remains low, provincial surveillance ongoing
Manitoba Health reports the analysis of the adult mosquitoes trapped for the week of June 13 found low numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes in some communities in southern Manitoba. None of the mosquitoes collected to date has tested positive for West Nile virus. Preliminary trap information for the week of June 20 indicates the numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes have increased in some communities but overall the numbers are low.
Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are the mosquitoes most likely to carry West Nile virus. It is possible that there are some infected Culex tarsalis mosquitoes in southern Manitoba at this time, however, the risk of exposure to West Nile virus is estimated to be low. The risk of being bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus will increase in the coming weeks.
Most of the mosquitoes collected have been nuisance mosquitoes, which do not carry West Nile virus. 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.
The province offers a cost-shared larviciding program for municipalities and communities to take steps to help control culex tarsalis mosquitoes. Under the program, 75 per cent of costs are covered by the province and 25 per cent are covered by the participating community. To date this year, 55 communities have participated in the program.
Information on the risk of West Nile virus will continue to be provided to the public throughout the summer in a media campaign and at various fairs and festivals. Manitobans can also check the West Nile virus website regularly for up-to-date data and information.
