Manitoba Health and Healthy Living advises that test results from Cadham Provincial Laboratory indicate the first human case of West Nile virus from the 2009 season has been identified. The individual is a male in his 80s from the Brandon health region, who is currently recovering. Exposure is believed to have occurred in this region earlier in the summer.
Based on the most recent mosquito surveillance, the time of year and the life cycle of the Culex tarsalis mosquito, the current risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus in Manitoba is considered low. However, due to the warm temperatures in September, small numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes may be active during the day and early evening. Activity will diminish overnight when the nighttime temperatures tend to drop. The majority of biting mosquitoes at this time are nuisance mosquitoes, not Culex tarsalis.
Manitobans can reduce the risk of mosquito bites by:
• 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.
