Manitoba is continuing its partnerships with the cities of Winnipeg and Brandon for the surveillance, identification and mitigation of the adult mosquito population carrying West Nile virus.

Traps are set across Manitoba to capture adult mosquitoes and assess seasonal trends in the population and West Nile infection rates. The results are used to determine if mosquito control is required or if targeted information should be released to the public about risks in certain areas.

“A key component to keeping Manitobans safe from West Nile virus is mosquito surveillance, which allows the risk to be assessed on a weekly basis during each season and ultimately guides the public health response,” said acting Health and Senior Care Minister Kelvin Goertzen.

Under the partnership collected data will be shared with the province on a weekly basis to help determine what steps need to be taken to reduce the risk of West Nile virus.

West Nile virus can cause severe illness and can sometimes result in long-term complications and death. Some people who contract the virus have no symptoms while others may experience headaches, fever, fatigue and body aches. For more information on the virus visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv/index.html

© News4.ca 2021