In this Tuesday, June 28, 2016 file photo, Evaristo Miqueli, a natural resources officer with Broward County Mosquito Control, takes water samples decanted from a watering jug, checking for the presence of mosquito larvae in Pembroke Pines, Fla. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Lynne Sladky)
WINNIPEG — The first Culex tarsalis mosquito sample infected with West Nile virus has been collected in Manitoba.
The province says the mosquitoes were collected from an adult mosquito trap in Winnipeg during the week of June 17.
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living says the potential exists for human exposure to infected Culex tarsalis mosquitoes throughout southern Manitoba. The risk of such exposure is expected to continue in the coming weeks, particularly if conditions are warm and dry, which is ideal for Culex tarsalis development and activity.
Manitobans can reduce the risk of mosquito bites and exposure to West Nile virus 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.
Homeowners are also encouraged to dump standing water from around their property, clean eavestroughs and regularly empty bird baths, or other items that may collect water.
— With files from the Province of Manitoba
