Health officials in Manitoba say that the risk of exposure to the West Nile virus is expected to increase in the coming weeks due to the hot weather.

Manitoba Health announced on Friday that the season’s first sample of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus was found south of Winnipeg, in the town of Morris.

The sample was collected during the week of July 7 from an adult mosquito trap.

According to the provincial agency, the number of infected mosquitoes is currently low in the area. However they are “increasing in some localities in southern Manitoba.”

"The risk of exposure to the West Nile virus is expected to increase in the coming weeks, particularly with the current hot, humid weather, which is ideal for Culex tarsalis development and activity," reads a bulletin from Manitoba Health.

West Nile Virus can be spread to humans who are bitten by infected mosquitoes. People can also become infected via blood transfusions and organ or tissue transplants.

Last year, there were 39 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in Manitoba.

Most people infected with the West Nile virus will not become noticeably ill -- individuals either experience no symptoms or mild flu-like symptoms such as body aches and a fever. Some people may also develop a rash or swollen lymph glands.

A small percentage of people will develop serious symptoms, including:

  • Meningitis: Inflammation of the lining of the brain or spinal cord
  • Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain
  • Accute flaccid paralysis: Polio-like syndrome that can result in the loss of function of one or more limbs

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, these conditions can be fatal.

People at higher risk for serious health effects from the West Nile virus include people with chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease; and people undergoing medical treatments that may weaken the immune system.

If the risk of contraction becomes too high, the province can issue mandatory fogging, a mosquito control management technique that uses pesticides.

In Winnipeg, mosquito fogging trucks have been deployed in two areas.

For information on how to protect yourself from the West Nile virus and to learn what the symptoms are, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada site.

With a report from CTV Winnipeg