Manitoba Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus this season. The department says that a female in her 60s living in the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority area has contracted the virus.
A pool of Culex Marsalis mosquitoes carrying WNV has been collected in Brandon. To date this is the second positive pool detected.
Manitoba Health says that the risk of exposure to WNV is currently low but will likely increase over the next few weeks.
While Manitobans are encouraged to enjoy outdoor activities, it is critical to reduce the risk of mosquito bites and potential exposure to WNV by:
- reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours between dusk and dawn;
- using an appropriate mosquito repellent;
- wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pant legs;
- maintaining door and window screens; and
- cleaning and emptying yard items that collect water.
For more information on WNV visit: www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv/
© News4.ca 2022
