Mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus found in these Manitoba areas
Mosquitoes infected with the West Nile Virus have been found in Manitoba.
On Thursday, the Province of Manitoba said six mosquito pools collected last week tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). The pools were collected from Oakbank, Morris, East St. Paul, and Winnipeg.
"Despite the first detection of WNV activity this season, there are no plans to conduct adult mosquito control at this time," the province said in its weekly surveillance report.
There have been no positive WNV surveillance indicators in animals in Manitoba, and the province said there have been no reported cases in humans.
It said with the detection of the WNV positive mosquito pools, along with the hot and dry conditions – there is an elevated risk of exposure to the virus.
"As a result, Manitobans are encouraged to take appropriate precautions to minimize their risk while enjoying outdoor activities over the next few weeks."
The Culex tarsalis mosquito, which carries West Nile virus, has been increasing in Manitoba this summer, a provincial spokesperson told CTV News.
Local entomologist Taz Stuart said all it takes is one bite to become infected, and says the upcoming long weekend is one of the riskiest for people.
“This is the second and third generation of Culex tarsalis, so they could be infected or infective, meaning they can transmit through a dead-end host like a human,” he said.
Stuart said approximately 1 in 150 people bitten by a mosquito carrying West Nile virus will get a severe form of West Nile virus, which can lead to the development of encephalitis and meningitis, and even death in some cases.
The province said Manitobans should spend less time outside during dawn and dusk – the peak mosquito hours. Manitobans are encouraged to use mosquito repellant, and wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pant legs.
Homeowners should also make sure door and window screens are fitted tightly with no holes.
The province said anyone with concerns about the West Nile Virus should call their doctor or Health Links at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
This is a developing story. More to come.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.