Spring is upon us, and Manitobans will be taking advantage of the warmer weather to enjoy more outdoor activities. The health benefits of increased activity are clear, however, Manitoba Health reminds Manitobans the chance of exposure to certain infectious diseases increases during the spring and summer months.
Take the following precautions to reduce your exposure to the following risks:
West Nile virus
Reduce standing water around your home and take steps to reduce exposure to mosquito bites during the summer months. For more information about West Nile virus, click here.
Lyme disease
Avoid contact with blacklegged (deer) ticks. Inspect yourself and your children for ticks and remove them as soon as possible. For more information about Lyme disease, click here.
Hantavirus
Reduce exposure to dust from mice droppings and damp mop areas with rodent droppings using bleach disinfectant. For more information about hantavirus, click here.
E. coli
Use proper food-handling precautions, cook ground beef until it is well done and follow guidelines for cooking other meat. If your water comes from a well, check that it is safe from sources of contamination. For more information about E. coli, click here.
Water safety
For more information on well water safety, click here.
Rabies
Vaccinate pets and avoid handling wildlife to reduce the risk of rabies. For more information about rabies, click here.
Blastomycosis
When digging or disturbing soil in risk areas, be aware of the risk for exposure to blastomycosis, which you can get by breathing in the fungus that causes it or getting it on a scrape or cut. For more information about blastomycosis, click here.
Injury prevention
Be safe when biking, swimming and boating. Anyone under 18 in Manitoba must wear a properly fitted and fastened protective helmet while cycling. For more information on injury prevention, click here.
For more health information, visit your local public health office or phone Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).
