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First mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus found

By: Staff Writer

Thursday, Jul. 12, 2012 at 1:16 PM | Comments: 0

A Culex Tarsalis mosquito is reflected in a plexi glass case in 2005. (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES)

Manitoba Health says its mosquito surveillance program has identified this season’s first Culex Tarsalis mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus.

The department adds that so far no human cases of West Nile have been detected in the province this year.

The infected mosquitoes were collected during the week of July 1 in traps in Portage la Prairie and Sandy Bay First Nation.

Based on trap counts, the province said the numbers of infected mosquitoes are predicted to be low in the area. "The current estimated risk does not warrant an order for adult mosquito control at this time," the government said in a news release.

The numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes – the type that can carry West Nile -- trapped during the week of July 1 increased throughout southern Manitoba.

The mosquito numbers are highest in central and southwest Manitoba at this time but the potential for human exposure to infected mosquitoes is present throughout southern Manitoba. Mosquito samples that are positive for West Nile virus may be identified in additional communities in the next few weeks.

Preliminary trap information for the week of July 8 indicates the numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes have increased slightly from the previous week. The risk of exposure to West Nile virus is expected to increase in the coming weeks, particularly with the current hot, humid weather, which is ideal for Culex tarsalis development and activity.

Taking measures to prevent mosquito bites and reducing standing water around the home can help reduce the risk of West Nile virus exposure. Manitobans can reduce the risk of mosquito bites by:

reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn;

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.

Manitobans can reduce mosquitoes around their homes by reducing standing water. To prevent the development of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, homeowners can:

clean eavestroughs and regularly empty bird baths and other items that might collect water,

ensure rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening or are tightly sealed around the downspout,

clear yards of old tires or other items that collect water, and

improve landscaping to prevent standing water around the home.

For more information about West Nile virus, contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257. Weekly average trap counts of Culex tarsalis by regional health authority are available on the province's West Nile virus website.

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