Manitoba has its first confirmed human case of West Nile virus for the season.
Manitoba Health reported July 29 that a female in her 60s who lives in the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority was identified as suffering from the virus.
Additionally, the province noted a pool of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes carrying WNV was been collected in Brandon. This is the second positive pool to date.
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The first was found in mid-July in a sample collected from the Rural Municipality of Headingly.
The risk of exposure to WNV is still considered low, but the province noted its likely to increase in the coming weeks, as the highest risk period is historically in late July and early August. Just a single bite from an infected mosquito can cause an infection of WNV.
While most people who are infected will develop mild or no symptoms, some can develop severe symptoms that can result in hospital stays and even death. Recovery from WNV infection, particularly severe symptoms, can take months or years.
While the province says Manitobans are encouraged to enjoy outdoor activities, it also notes 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.
Between 2017 and 2021, there were 45 cases of WNV in Manitoba. Nine people were hospitalized and four required intensive care.
For more information about prevention, symptoms, weekly average trap counts of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, fact sheets, posters and information for municipalities and health-care providers, visit gov.mb.ca/health/wnv/.
