A batch of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus have been found in Oakbank, Manitoba.
The province says the season’s first Culex tarsalis mosquito samples infected with the virus were collected during the week of July 20. No human cases of the virus have been identified in the province.
Manitoba Health says based on the most recent information, the numbers of infected mosquitoes are predicted to be low for this area. The current estimated risk does not warrant an order for adult mosquito control.
“The potential for human exposure to infected Culex tarsalis mosquitoes is present throughout southern Manitoba,” the province said in a release. “The risk of exposure to WNV is expected to continue in the coming weeks, particularly if warm and dry conditions persist, as these are ideal for Culex tarsalis development and activity.”
The bulk of mosquitoes collected in adult mosquito traps continue to be nuisance mosquitoes which do not transmit WNV, but the province says the number of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes trapped during the week of July 20 has increased in several communities across southern Manitoba.
