Mosquitoes with West Nile virus found in several Manitoba communities prompting warning
The province is cautioning Manitobans to protect themselves against West Nile virus this summer.
The warning comes after mosquitoes infected with the virus were found in several communities throughout Manitoba.
John Hughes knows first hand the impact West Nile virus can have.
In 2016, a mosquito bite changed his life. He was rushed to hospital, and it was determined he had contracted the virus.
"I was in a coma for approximately four months, and then ICU for about six months, and then I went to rehab," Hughes recalled.
Hughes now uses a wheelchair, as he lost most of the strength in his upper body and needs a lot of help around the house.
"I was a pretty active guy before," Said Hughes.
"I worked full time, I was involved in municipal politics, I was a councillor and a Reeve at the time."
On Thursday, the Government of Manitoba put out a tweet reminding all Manitobans to be aware of West Nile after mosquitos infected with the virus were found in East St. Paul, Morris, Oakbank, and Winnipeg.
In a statement to CTV News, a spokesperson for the province said:
"The mosquitoes in question were collected last week as part of Manitoba health's West Nile Virus surveillance program."
"The mosquito that carries West Nile Virus, Culex tarsalis, has been increasing in numbers throughout the summer."
The province said to reduce your chances of contracting West Nile virus, apply an appropriate insect repellent, wear light clothing with long sleeves and pant legs, and reduce time spent outside between dusk and dawn.
"What people should be aware of, (Culex) tarsalis is a very sneaky biter," said Taz Stuart, a local entomologist.
He said the long weekend is one of the riskiest times of the year as it relates to West Nile virus.
"This is the second and third generation of Culex tarsalis, so they could be infected or infective, meaning they can transmit the virus to a dead-end host like a human."
Stuart said Culex tarsalis numbers are on the rise, and in a few weeks, we could see humans contracting the West Nile Virus.
Hughes said Manitobans should be mindful of mosquitoes in the province. He said his outcome could have been worse.
"There was another person with West Nile in the hospital with me that passed away. So I'm sort of in the middle of the road for survival of West Nile."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.