Posted on 08/26/2010, 9:37 am, by mySteinbach

Manitoba Health reports five mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus during the week of Aug. 15 to 21.  These samples were collected in Carberry, Boissevain, Brandon, Altona and Morden.  So far this year, a total of 19 positive mosquito samples have been found.  Based on the current level of infected mosquitoes in these communities, adult mosquito control is not being recommended at this time.
 
The number of adult Culex tarsalis mosquitoes trapped during the week of Aug. 15 decreased compared to the previous week.  Preliminary numbers for the week of Aug. 22 show about the same number of mosquitoes in traps as last week.
 
The number of trapped Culex tarsalis mosquitoes remains relatively high overall, but the proportion of trapped mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile virus is relatively low compared to previous years.
 
Although the period of highest risk for human exposure has ended, there is still a risk for human exposure.  The risk is expected to decline in the weeks ahead.  In previous years, the peak risk period for human exposure to West Nile virus has been the last two weeks of July and the first three weeks of August.
 
To date, no human cases of West Nile virus have been identified in Manitoba in the 2010 season.