City continues, increases activities to reduce number of West Nile Virus mosquitoes

Released: August 1, 2012 at 5:15 p.m.

WINNIPEG -
In light of provincial tests indicating the presence of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes in and around the city, the Winnipeg Public Service is assuring citizens of our ongoing, proactive work to reduce mosquito populations and, thereby, diminish the risk to citizens.

The Insect Control Branch’s normal mosquito control operations include targeted larviciding, nuisance larviciding and residual spraying.

In mid-June, the Insect Control Branch (ICB) proactively began a targeted larviciding program, a joint City-Province funded program that targets favoured sites for the Culex tarsalis mosquito, the carrier of West Nile Virus (WNV).

Since mid-July, ICB has focused on locating new probable Culex tarsalis habitat in order to reduce populations and the potential for WNV in and around the Winnipeg area. These additional efforts were focused on the following:

  • Removal of containers of water and garbage along the Perimeter Highway and other various locations throughout the city.
  • Source reduction in culverts with specialized tools to clean and allow water to flow though.
  • Close examinations of tire sites.
  • Encouraging source reduction on private property.

"Even though we have low mosquito activity right now, we encourage Winnipeggers to use protection such as spray repellant with DEET. Also, reduce the time you spend outdoors between dusk and dawn, and wear light-coloured, loose-fitting, long-sleeved tops and long pants when outside, especially between dusk and dawn," said Taz Stuart, City Entomologist. "You can help reduce mosquito numbers by getting rid of mosquito habitats around your home."

West Nile Virus Program

The delivery of the West Nile Virus Program, which includes the monitoring of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, and issuing Provincial Orders for adult mosquito control, is a provincial responsibility. Weekly average trap counts of Culex tarsalis by regional health authority are available on the Province of Manitoba’s West Nile virus website

PLEASE HELP FIGHT THE BITE AND WEST NILE VIRUS!

Citizens are also reminded to take personal protection measures:

  • You can help reduce mosquito numbers by getting rid of mosquito habitats around your home.
  • Reduce the time you spend outdoors between dusk and dawn. The peak mosquito hours are around dusk and dawn, but Culex mosquitoes will also bite during the night.
  • Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting, long-sleeved tops and long pants when outside, especially between dusk and dawn.
  • Apply an appropriate insect repellent, according to Health Canada Guidelines and label instructions. For more information, see the fact sheet Insect Repellents: It’s Your Health.
  • Check that door and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes.

For additional information on West Nile virus, please visit the Province of Manitoba’s West Nile virus website or call Health Links - Info Santé (204) 788-8200 in Winnipeg or toll-free 1-888-315-9257

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