Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Seniors has identified the first two confirmed cases of Zika virus infection in the province. Both individuals recently travelled to an area affected by the current outbreak.
The current overall risk to Manitobans is very low as the species of mosquitoes that can carry the virus are unable to survive the cool weather in Manitoba or Canada.
Travellers to areas affected by the current outbreak and those areas at risk of an outbreak can protect themselves against Zika virus by taking individual protective measures to prevent mosquito bites including using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, using mosquito nets, and ensuring that doors and windows are screened.
It is recommended that pregnant women avoid travel to areas with a current Zika virus outbreak or areas at risk of an outbreak. If travel cannot be postponed, then strict mosquito bite prevention measures should be followed to protect themselves against bites.
As research continues regarding the potential role of sexual transmission of Zika virus, caution is strongly recommended. Women should avoid becoming pregnant during travel to an affected area by the current Zika virus outbreak or an area at risk, and for two months after return from these areas. It is recommended that men returning from an affected area or an area at risk, who show symptoms or are diagnosed with Zika virus consider using condoms or not having sex for at least six months after symptoms begin. It is also recommended that even men returning from an affected area or an area at risk, who show no symptoms consider using condoms or not having sex for at least eight weeks after returning from an affected area.
For more information about Zika virus, contact Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free), or visit the Manitoba Health website.
