Manitoba research looking for 'existing or future risk' in mosquitoes and ticks
Researchers from Brandon University are working to find present or future risks when it comes to mosquitoes and ticks in Manitoba.
On Wednesday, the university announced that Dr. Bernadette Ardelli and Dr. Bryan Cassone are surveying mosquitoes and ticks in the Canadian Prairies for pathogens, which are disease-producing agents.
Ardelli, who is the dean of science at Brandon University, said people just don’t know everything that could be out there.
“It is critical that we open our eyes to existing or future risk — some of what we are screening for can be pretty scary,” she said in a news release.
“We believe many of these pathogens are already present in Manitoba, and that human cases may have gone unreported or are misdiagnosed.”
According to Brandon University, Manitoba already screens for pathogens known to cause disease in the province, such as Lyme disease and West Nile encephalitis.
Through this study, the researchers will look for other pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks that have yet to be reported in Manitoba.
Cassone noted that in Manitoba there is no active surveillance for a number of human pathogens that can be transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia and the California serogroup and Cache Valley viruses.
He noted that these are public health concerns that have been found in bordering states and provinces.
“Climate change is already increasing the range of infectious diseases, and we must begin preparing for diseases that we haven’t traditionally experienced here,” Cassone said.
“Prevention is our first line of defense, but it requires timely detection. This research will begin to show us where we should focus our efforts.”
The Public Health Agency of Canada’s Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund is providing $240,450 in funding over a three-year period for the research.
Informational events are planned to provide knowledge on the risk of infectious diseases and disease prevention strategies.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.