The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The current mosquito surveillance is indicating large increases in the numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes ? the mosquitoes most likely to carry West Nile Virus ? in southern Manitoba. Testing of mosquitoes for WNV is ongoing. It is anticipated that WNV will soon be identified in Culex tarsalis mosquito samples. As we enter the later part of July, and with the identification of increasing numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the risk of exposure to WNV in Manitoba is expected to increase. Manitobans can continue to help detect the arrival of West Nile virus in their area by reporting dead crows, blue jays, magpies or ravens to 1-888-315-9257. West Nile virus identified in birds from the crow family provides an early indication of West Nile virus in an area. It is likely that birds will be identified soon in other regional health authorities in southern Manitoba. Once testing has demonstrated the presence of WNV in a specific area, no further birds from that area are required for testing.
