The dreaded Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are back and testing shows some of them are carrying the West Nile Virus.
Manitoba Health says that the surveillance program for mosquitoes has identified the first infected insects in Winnipeg for the season. They were found in traps in the city last week.
Although there have been no human cases of West Nile in Manitoba in 2018 the potential for exposure is present throughout the southern part of the province. It is expected that the risk for exposure will be high over the next few weeks as warmer dry weather continues.
The best way to help avoid contact with Culex tarsalis mosquitoes is to reduce the amount of time you spend outside between dusk and dawn which are the peak hours for mosquitoes. Mosquito repellent is also a good idea along with wearing loose-fitting, light coloured clothing.
If you open windows or have a screen porch it is a good idea to inspect the screens to ensure they fit tightly and do not have any holes.
Removing standing water on your property is also a great way of preventing the development of mosquitoes.
There is currently no orders for the spraying of adult mosquitoes in Manitoba.
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