Manitoba Health has identified the fist case of West Nile Virus to infect a human this year in Manitoba.
A man in his 40’s from the Southern Health region was hospitalized after developing neurological symptoms. Indicators are he was exposed the week of July 17, 2016 although health officials are still investigating.
July and August are peak periods for Culex Tarsalis mosquitos, the main species that carry the West Nile Virus. The first sample for the virus in 2016 was found the week of July 17.
Cool weather over the past weekend may have reduced the number of mosquitos but Manitoba Health warns that the current risk for human exposure is still considered moderate.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce getting exposed to the West Nile Virus:
- reduce the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours
- using appropriate mosquito repellent
- wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing
- maintaining door and window screens so they fit tightly and are free of holes.
- clean eaves troughs 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.
-News4 Staff-
