Manitoba Health says that Culex Marsalis mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus (WNV) were collected in the RM of West St. Paul between June 18 and 24. This is the first pool of mosquitoes that have tested positive in Manitoba this season.

While most people who develop WNV have mild to no symptoms, some can develop can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms that can result in hospital stays or death. Recovery from WNV can take months or years depending on the severity.

In 2022 there were sever cases of WNV in Manitoba of which five of those were hospitalized. So far this year there have been no human cases in the province.

To reduce your risk of becoming infected with the virus there are a number of things you can do to reduce the rick of mosquito bites and potential exposure:

• 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 https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv/