The province will begin fogging for mosquitoes in Portage la Prairie to prevent the spread of the West Nile virus.
Manitoba Health says recent surveillance on Culex tarsalis mosquito numbers and the proportion infected with West Nile virus has reached a level warranting a new order under Manitoba’s Environment Act.
Late last month, two people in their 40s living in the Winnipeg Health Region tested positive for the virus through Canadian Blood Services screening.
Fogging in Portage la Prairie will extend three kilometres around the city and begin Thursday evening, weather permitting.
The City of Winnipeg will not begin its own fogging, but the Insect Control Branch is continuing with larviciding, nuisance larviciding and residual spraying.
City entomologist Taz Stuart says the public may notice an emergence of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes in the next two weeks — particularly during the August long weekend. Stuart says protection is key and recommends an insect repellent containing DEET.
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