New data shows the West Nile virus is circulating throughout Manitoba. According to the province’s website, mosquitoes carrying West Nile were found in 12 areas last week. The majority were in the Southern Health-Santé Sud health region, with five positives found in Morden alone. Other positives were confirmed in Winnipeg, Winkler and Altona. The data comes as Ontario confirmed its first human case of West Nile this year on Thursday. There has been one human case in Manitoba so far this year—an infection that was related to travel outside of Canada. The province said recent rain and warm temperatures are bolstering mosquito populations. The West Nile virus risk is currently moderate in Manitoba but could increase further in August, officials said. Symptoms of the virus typically present between two and 14 days after a person is bitten and can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, a rash and swollen lymph glands. The province said Manitobans can reduce their risk of West Nile exposure by reducing the amount of time outdoors between dusk and dawn, using mosquito repellent, wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pants, and making sure door and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes. Folks can also reduce the number of mosquitoes around their home by eliminating standing water. - With files from CTV’s Laura Sebben
