Manitoba Health is reporting six new cases of West Nile Virus have infected people in southern Manitoba

Three of the cases are in the Interlake region, two in the Prairie Mountain region and on in Winnipeg.

Earlier this month the first case was reported in the Southern Health region.

• First confirmed 2018 case of West Nile virus infests Manitoba youth
• West Nile infected mosquitoes found in Winnipeg traps
• Warm conditions could increase numbers of infected mosquitoes

The province is warning residents and visitors that mosquito season is not over and that conditions are ripe for the Culex tarsalis mosquitoes to thrive. The warm dry conditions experienced in Manitoba are helping to maintain a high population the infected pests

Culex tarsalis tend to feed mostly between dusk and dawn and according to Manitoba Health, one bite for this  West Nile Virus carrier could expose you to the virus. Often time people do not even realize they have been bitten.

You can reduce their risk of mosquito bites and potential WNV exposure by:
• reducing the amount of time spent outdoors during peak mosquito hours (between dusk and dawn);
• using appropriate mosquito repellent;
• wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing; and
• maintaining door and window screens so they fit tightly and are free of holes.

© 2018 News 4

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